Catalase against met-Hb excess during oximetries of dilute Hb-A samples.

Functional parameters of diluted Hb-A have been determined before and after addition of catalase and disodium-EDTA to the samples. There are no important differences between the results drawn from catalase added samples and catalase free ones, except for the fact the met-Hb level at pH 7.8 is significantly lower in the samples containing catalase. On the contrary, catalase is almost ineffective against met-Hb at pH 6.8, whereas its activity at pH 7.3 is rather modest. Another limitation is that catalase remains active against met-Hb for not more than 15-20 minutes after addition to the sample, which is just the time necessary for one complete (manual) oximetry.