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Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management
Published on: January 19, 2024
Evaluation of a Noninvasive Hemoglobin Measurement Device to Screen for Anemia in Infancy
Daniel P Hsu1, Alicia J French2, Samuel L Madson2
1Department of Pediatrics, San Antonio Military Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA. daniel.p.hsu.mil@mail.mil.
Insights
Non-invasive hemoglobin testing using the Masimo Pronto device shows promise for screening iron deficiency anemia in infants. This method offers a less stressful alternative to traditional blood draws, improving infant screening efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia is a global health concern and a common condition in the U.S.
- Current universal infant screening involves invasive venous blood sampling, causing patient and family stress.
- This procedure adds time to clinic visits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and utility of a non-invasive hemoglobin measurement device.
- To compare the non-invasive device's results with standard laboratory hemoglobin measurements from venipuncture.
Main Methods:
- 110 children underwent hemoglobin measurement using the Masimo Pronto device followed by venipuncture.
- Paired hemoglobin results were compared between the non-invasive device and the clinical laboratory.
- The study was conducted at San Antonio Military Medical Center from June 2012 to June 2014.
Main Results:
- 97 children had successful hemoglobin measurements with the Masimo Pronto.
- A significant correlation (r=0.48) was found between Masimo Pronto and venous hemoglobin levels.
- A Masimo Pronto hemoglobin level <11.5 gm/dL demonstrated 82% sensitivity and 95% negative predictive value for detecting venous hemoglobin <11 gm/dL.
Conclusions:
- Non-invasive hemoglobin testing with the Masimo Pronto may serve as a valuable screening tool for infant anemia.
- This device offers a way to avoid invasive testing procedures.
- Potential to streamline the screening process for iron deficiency anemia in infants.
Objective:
Iron deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency worldwide and a common medical condition in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended universal screening for iron deficiency anemia in infants at approximately 1 year of age. This screening involves invasive venous blood sampling which increases the clinic visit time and may cause significant stress to the patient and family members. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and utility of a non-invasive hemoglobin measurement device compared to standard laboratory hemoglobin measurement from venipuncture.
Methods:
One hundred ten children were enrolled in the study following a well-child examination at San Antonio Military Medical Center from June 2012 to June 2014. Each child had a hemoglobin measurement obtained with the Masimo Pronto with Rainbow(®) R20L disposable sensor followed by venipuncture that was sent to the clinical laboratory for hemoglobin measurement. Paired hemoglobin results from the non-invasive device and the clinical laboratory were compared.
Results:
Ninety-seven children successfully had hemoglobin measured by the Masimo Pronto device. Hemoglobin values obtained with the Masimo Pronto were significantly correlated with venous hemoglobin levels, with a correlation coefficient of 0.48. A hemoglobin level less than 11.5 gm/dL on the Masimo Pronto had a sensitivity of 82 % and a negative predictive value of 95 % when compared to venous hemoglobin level less than 11 gm/dL.
Conclusions:
for Practice Non-invasive hemoglobin testing with the Masimo Pronto device may be a useful screening tool for anemia in infants that avoids invasive testing.
