The influence of two concentrations of sodium hypochlorite on human blood:changes in haemolysis, pH and protein

Aim To evaluate the in vitro effect of 2.5% and 5.0% sodium hypochlorite (N aOCl) on human blood. Methodology Each concentration of NaOCl was reacted with human blood for 5 min at volume ratios of 1 : 1, 1 : 6, 1 : 12, each creating changes in colo ur, pH and temperature. Reaction suspensions were separated by centrifugati on, and absorption measurements made for separated bilirubin, Fe, and prote in supernatants. Each supernatant was desalted, lyophilized, and treated by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SOS-PAGE). Results Increased ratios and concentrations of NaOCl caused an increase in both pH and temperature. Protein supernatants tended to decompose on SDS-PA CE. Supernatants showed increased decolourisation with 5.0% NaOCl. Concentr ations of bilirubin. Ferrum and protein in supernatants decreased with incr eased NaOCl concentration. NaOCl had an effect on the protein component in blood. Conclusions These data suggest that changes in molecular structure are due to the chemical effects of NaOCl. Protein bands tended to show low molecula r weight, suggesting that haemoglobin components effect the oxidation-reduc tion reaction.