Ethylene glycol-stabilized haemolysates as control material in haemoglobinometry.

Human blood haemolysates containing ethylene glycol (final volume fraction 0.35) were prepared and stored at -20 degrees C (in the liquid state) up to 372 days. During the whole period, the total haemoglobin concentration (assayed in the material by means of the reference HiCN method) was found to be stable; spectral analysis also failed in detecting any deterioration, Hi formation being low. Good stability was also recorded on storage at 2-4 degrees C for 15 days, but only for 1-2 days at room temperature. The stabilised haemolysate is suggested as a material for long-term control of accuracy in hemoglobinometry.