1. OBJECTIVE
Methemoglobin is a substance resulting from the oxidation of iron in hemoglobin and is formed mainly after exposure to some medications and other toxic substances. Methemoglobin, unlike hemoglobin, is not capable of transporting oxygen to tissues through the blood. In this experiment, you will learn about and perform a technique for measuring methemoglobin in blood samples, in order to determine the progress of the intoxication.


At the end of this experiment, you should be able to:

Understand the mechanism of oxidation of hemoglobin, that is, methemoglobin in situations of drug or environmental intoxication;

Describe the sequential steps related to methemoglobin measurement in blood samples;

Calculate methemoglobin levels in blood samples and correlate them with the severity of poisoning.

2. WHERE TO USE THESE CONCEPTS?
The formation of methemoglobin is often related to intoxication caused by different agents. The professional who seeks to work in the area of ​​toxicology must have knowledge about the dosage of methemoglobin, especially with regard to monitoring patients who are using medications or chemicals that can cause methemoglobinemia.


3. THE EXPERIMENT
You will work in a virtual toxicology laboratory, where, after appropriate attire, you will measure methemoglobin levels in blood, using a spectrophotometric technique.


4. SECURITY
For this procedure, it is essential to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats and procedure gloves. Furthermore, it must be remembered that it is necessary to wear closed shoes and long pants, as well as tie up long hair, as biosafety measures and in order to avoid possible accidents and contamination.


5. SCENARIO
This experiment will be carried out on the toxicology laboratory bench. On this bench, you will find the suspected sample, the reagents and materials to be used, as well as the automatic pipettes and tips and the spectrophotometer equipment.