Comparison of an electrochemical biosensor with optical devices for hemoglobin measurement in human whole blood samples

Abstract

BackgroundAn electrochemical based biosensor for hemoglobin measurement was developed as an alternative to the traditional optical method, and underwent testing for use in professional settings. MethodsThe affects of samples' freshness, hemolysis, bilirubin on the electrochemical method, as well as the repeatability, precision and accuracy were studied, using optical method devices as references. ResultsSamples were stored at room temperature or in a cold environment for 7days, partially or completely hemolyzed samples, and samples containing bilirubin with a concentration of up to 150mg/l were investigated with no effects for interfering studies. Repeatability of finger blood testings was verified with six consecutive tests on nine volunteers, results ranged from 3% to 8% variation. The test results of BeneCheck were correlated with Sysmex, Beckman Coulters, Cell-Dyn and HemoCue methods, the results have shown similar and 95% of test results were within a ±15% bias. ConclusionsBeneCheck hemoglobin test system performed well and accurately, while requiring 1μl of blood sample and 10s detection time. Based on the cost, accuracy, sample volume, measuring time, ease of viewing and portability, BeneCheck deliver the best characteristics for these purposes.