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Dithionite Tube Turbidity (DTT) test is a first method of choice for easy and rapid detection of sickle
hemoglobin. Even though DTT is not 100% sensitive and specific, due to its user friendly features, it
is a primary screening method for mass field screening as well as for routine laboratory testing.
Various DTT test buffer compositions and test procedures for performing this test are prevailing in
literature. This study was performed to find out the most appropriate sample volume to achieve
highest sensitivity and specificity which is suitable for the field conditions. Here we have focused on
hemoglobin concentration. In order to perform this experiment, total fifty well characterized clinical
samples were analyzed. We found that 20 & 25 μL of sample volumes have shown higher sensitivity
and specificity with different types of blood samples. But by considering the importance of visual
result interpretation of DTT test, 2 mL buffer along with 20 μL of blood sample has given the easiest
and accurate result interpretation which adds in userfriendlyness of test.
By adopting this test parameter, one can easily decrease the rate of false positive and false negative
test results during sickle cell screening. This test procedure is easy to perform, user friendly and
does not require any instrument like centrifuge which makes it most suitable for field screening.
Keywords: HbS: Hemoglobin S/Sickle hemoglobin, Solubility test, DTT test: Dithionite Tube Turbidity Test, Sample volume.