Alkali denaturation test

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Alkali Denaturation Test

The Alkali Denaturation Test (pronunciation: al-kah-lee dee-nay-chur-ay-shun test) is a diagnostic procedure used in the field of Hematology to detect the presence of Hemoglobin F (Fetal Hemoglobin) in the blood.

Etymology

The term "Alkali" is derived from the Arabic word "al-qali" which means "the calcined" or "the ashes". "Denaturation" comes from the Latin "de-" meaning "away" and "natura" meaning "nature", referring to the process of altering the natural structure of a substance, in this case, hemoglobin.

Procedure

The Alkali Denaturation Test involves adding a strong alkali, usually Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), to a blood sample. Hemoglobin F, if present, denatures or changes its structure in the presence of the alkali, causing the solution to become cloudy. This change can be measured and used to estimate the amount of Hemoglobin F in the blood.

Related Terms

  • Hemoglobin: The protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
  • Hemoglobin F: A type of hemoglobin that is present at high levels in the fetus and newborn. It is replaced by adult hemoglobin (Hemoglobin A) by the age of 6 months.
  • Sodium Hydroxide: A strong alkali used in many industries, including the medical field for certain diagnostic tests.

See Also

External links

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