Validation of Haemoglobin Values Obtained by Hemocue Method against the Standard Blood Cell Counter Method

Abstract

Anemia is the most widespread of all nutritional deficiencies, constituting a vast drain on social and economic development of the country, Haemoglobin (Hb) level is the most common factor used in the evaluation of anemia prevalence in the population. It provides more accurate diagnosis of anemia compared to assessment based on clinical signs. The Blood Cell Counter (BCC) method is the standard method used for Hb estimations, however it has limited field applicability and is not useful in community surveys as a routine screening procedure. Hemocue (HQ) method is being extensively used for Hb estimations in field conditions. It has been found to be easy in operation, less in training and is portable and can be used in the field work when BCC method is not available. Concerns have been raised on the validity of the haemoglobin estimations obtained by the HQ method. Hence, the present study was conducted to validate the Hb values obtained by HQ method against the standard BCC method.