Simple estimation of blood content in bone homogenates for the determination of the real amount of drugs in bone tissue

Summary The content of blood in bone homogenates can be determined quantitatively by estimation of the haemin in the homogenate and in a sample of peripheral blood taken at the same time. Haem is completely split from the haemoglobin molecule by reaction with hydrochloric acid-acetone and converted to haemin, which can be analyzed spectrophotometrically. The blood content can be calculated from the amount of haemin in the homogenate in relation to that of the peripheral blood. This method is useful to determine the real amount of drugs in bone tissue.Acknowledgment. Thanks are due to Dr N. Walker and Dr H. Stuflesser, Balgrist, Orthopaedic University Hospital, Zürich, for kindly supplying the heads of femora removed at surgery.