Colorimetric Estimation of Blood Loss in Anesthesia: a Review
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Abstract
The review examines the principles, applications, challenges, and future directions of colorimetric methods for blood loss estimation in anesthesia and surgical settings. It begins with an exploration of the historical perspective, tracing the evolution from early visual estimation methods to the emergence of sophisticated colorimetric techniques. Key advancements in colorimetric estimation methods are discussed, highlighting the role of standardized color scales, spectrophotometric analyses, and digital imaging systems. The principles underlying colorimetric techniques are elucidated. Differentiation between qualitative and quantitative colorimetric methods is outlined, with an analysis of factors influencing accuracy and precision. The review examines commonly used colorimetric methods, including visual estimation, hemoglobin color scale, and alternative approaches. Clinical applications focus on their role in intraoperative blood loss estimation, postoperative bleeding assessment, and comparative analysis with traditional techniques.
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