Evaluation of "HemoCue," a new device for determining hemoglobin

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Hematology

Background:

• Standard hemoglobinometry (ICSH) faces challenges with imprecision due to high sample dilution.
• Sample turbidity can lead to potential errors in conventional hemoglobin measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the HemoCue instrument for hemoglobin measurement.
• To compare the accuracy and reliability of HemoCue against the ICSH method.

Main Methods:

• The HemoCue instrument measures hemoglobin at two wavelengths as azide methemoglobin.
• No sample dilution is required for the HemoCue method.
• The study evaluated HemoCue's performance in correcting for turbidity.

Main Results:

• The HemoCue method demonstrated superiority over the ICSH method.
• HemoCue effectively corrects for turbidity, preventing false readings in cases of hyperlipemia or high M-component levels.
• The instrument avoids errors associated with high sample dilution.

Conclusions:

• The HemoCue instrument provides accurate hemoglobin measurements, superior to the ICSH method.
• Its ability to correct for turbidity makes it reliable for diverse patient samples.
• The HemoCue is suitable for use in outpatient clinical settings.