For lack of better terms, deoxyhemoglobin is nonfunctional deoxygenated hemoglobin. Different degrees of deoxyhemoglobin is also seen in those with uncontrolled sleep apnea and polycythemia. Deoxyhemoglobin increases cell mass volume, therefore will show an increase in serum hemoglobin or by a B-hemoglobin photometer. Something he may or may not be aware of, with a finger prick method (B-hemoglobin photometer) this can, on occasion show false highs, if: (a) the machine isn't calibrated correctly and (b) if the phlebotomist takes their jolly time transferring the collection slide to the machine. Normally for a healthy person it takes around 2 to 6 minutes for blood to clot. If we was to quantify the measure of time of a finger puncture to the photometer from minutes to prolonged seconds we would see a gradual increase in hemoglobin. A photometer works by emitting light through the test slide to determine our hemoglobin levels. If partial coagulation has occurred this process will lead to the formation of clots on the slide, reducing the lightwaves, therefore show a falsely elevated hemoglobin.