Are there any one know what is the vendor and contact information of color comparator for use to check RBC hemolysis after deglycerolization?

Years ago, I found a pathologist at Wishard Hospital (now part of Clarian) in Indianapolis, IN, that published color charts for interference detection in Chemistry tests, I think for the Kodak EktaChem (now J&J Vitros). Although they show mocked-up samples in 12x75 test tubes for hemoglobin, lipemia and icterus, they were used in our BB for post-glycerolization comparison.

It would be fun to see if the serum indicies on modern chemistry analyzers would work as well ...

Larry Smrz, MBA, MT(ASCP)SBB, CQA(ASQ)

Indianapolis, IN

I don't know if deglycerolizing rbc's has evolved since the old days of using color comparison, but I do know for quite some time now, this method has not been acceptable, owing to each individual person's interpretation of seeing "color". For cell salvage, the only acceptable 'color' of the supernatant from washing is CLEAR. If the wash is not clear with the volume of wash, then you continue to wash until it is clear.

This method is still not quantitative, but is still acceptable by AABB. However, you can test (quality control), for plasma-free hemoglobin levels.

I agree that a color comparator can be subjective.

That being said, here is a very old one that we use.

We also have an old one from Haemonetics. It is called a Color Comparator and is part number 18501A. Don't know if they still make them.