Prospective Evaluation of a Noninvasive Hemoglobin Measurement System in Total Joint Arthroplasty

We sought to prospectively determine the efficacy of a noninvasive hemoglobin measurement system compared to a traditional blood draw in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. One hundred consecutive patients had their hemoglobin level measured by blood draw and the noninvasive device, simultaneously. Results were analyzed for the entire group and further stratified based on race and perfusion index measured by the device. The financial implications and patient satisfaction were compared. Hemoglobin measurements in the entire group and the two sub-groups were similar between the noninvasive device and the traditional blood draw. The noninvasive system was preferred by 100% of patients. Additionally, cost savings per patient using the noninvasive system was $16.50. This correlated to an 86% savings per case over the standard blood draw. The noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring system offers comparable measurements to a standard blood draw, while improving patient satisfaction and lowering costs. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 29(2):94-98, 2020).