Hall haemoglobinometer, London, 1869-1930
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A haemoglobinometer measures the level of haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin is a protein containing iron. Its primary responsibility is transporting oxygen from the lungs to other body tissues. It gives red blood cells their characteristic colour. The haemoglobin or iron content of the blood is used to estimate levels of malnutrition. This example was made by London based instrument maker Hawksley and Son Limited. A sample of blood is taken to estimate the haemoglobin level. This is chemically treated and then compared to a colour index.
Object number:
A600279
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: haemoglobin
a substance contained within the red blood cells and responsible for their colour, a protein made from iron and responsible for carrying oxygen around the body
Glossary: haemoglobinometer
an instrument for determining the concentration of haemoglobin in a sample of blood, which is a measure of its ability to carry oxygen.
Glossary: haematology
The study of the structure of the blood and blood forming tissues.