HemoCue Method Research Articles

Comparison of Copper (II) Sulphate to Hemocue Analyser in the Estimation of Haemoglobin among Voluntary and Replacement Blood Donors at Bugando Medical Centre

Background Pre-donation haemoglobin (Hb) screening is among the foremost test done on blood donors to determine whether an individual is fit to donate with the intention of preventing inadvertent donation from an anaemic donor. The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in Tanzania uses the Copper II Sulphate (CuSO4) gravimetric method to estimate haemoglobin (Hb) in blood donors. The accuracy of the copper II sulphate method for the rapid screening of prospective blood donors has been questioned because this rapid screening method may lead to false deferral of truly eligible prospective blood donors. However, this and other point-of-care method may provide false results. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 236 eligible blood donors attending BMC transfusion centre at Mwanza, Tanzania. The blood donors were asked for their consent to participate in this study from 1st May to 1st August 2024. Capillary blood samples were obtained for Hb estimation by CuSO4 and HemoCue methods, and 3mls of venous blood were also collected for Hb quantification by AHA (gold standard). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the demographic details of the donor. Kappa statistics were used to determine the level of agreement between the two methods of Hb estimation. Results The median age of the study participants was 30 years (IQR: 25-36). The proportion of false eligible donors was 5.5%, and false deferral donors were 2.3% using the CuSO4 gravimetric method. The specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and Kappa agreement for CuSO4 were 53.8%, 94.7%, 93.8%, 58.3%, and 0.51, respectively. In contrast, the specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and Kappa agreement for HemoCue were 63.6%, 97.9%, 96%, 77.7%, and 0.67, respectively. Conclusion. The current study revealed that, the performance of the CuSO4 gravimetric method is relatively poor, with a high proportion of false eligible donors than the HemoCue method. These findings warrant further studies to evaluate the quality control measures for CuSO4 gravimetric method and explore alternative point-of-care methods for Hb estimation among blood donors in similar resource limited-settings.

Evaluation of the Performance of Copper Sulphate and Hemocue Methods for Haemoglobin Estimation Among Blood Donors in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Background: The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in Tanzania uses the Copper Sulphate (CuSO4) gravimetric method to estimate hemoglobin (Hb) in blood donors. However, this and other point-of-care methods, including HemoCue, may provide false results. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of CuSO4 and HemoCue methods for Hb estimation compared with automated haematology analyzer (AHA). Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among (N=204) blood donors in Dar es Salaam. Capillary blood samples were obtained for Hb estimation by CuSO4 and HemoCue methods, 3 mls of venous blood were also collected for Hb quantification by AHA (gold standard), HemoCue and CuSO4 gravimetric method. Data were analyzed by Epi info 7.2.2.6, statistical significance was defined at a P value of <0.05, and kappa agreement was calculated. Results: The median age of the study participants was 30 years (IQR: 20-39). The proportion of false eligible donors was 19.6%, and false deferral donors were 2.9% by the CuSO4 gravimetric method. The specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and Kappa agreement for CuSO4 were 28.6%, 95.9%, 78.0%, 72.7%, and 0.1, respectively. In contrast, the specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and Kappa agreement for HemoCue were 62.5%, 98.6%, 87.4%, 94.6%, and 0.63, respectively. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the performance of the CuSO4 gravimetric method in Tanzania is relatively poor, with a high proportion of false eligible donors than the HemoCue method. These findings warrant further studies to evaluate the quality control measures for CuSO4 gravimetric method and explore alternative point-of-care methods for Hb estimation among blood donors in similar resource limited-settings.

Evaluation of the HemoCue® for blood loss estimation in suction fluid in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures: A prospective observational study.

Blood loss in neurosurgical procedures can be rapid and tremendous leading to consequential hemodynamic instability. HemoCue is a portable photometer used for the measurement of blood hemoglobin concentration. Using this point of care device, we contemplated this study to assess the reliability of HemoCue for suction hemoglobin determination and calculation of surgical blood loss by comparing with the gold standard laboratory Coulter Counter method in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. This prospective observational study was conducted in 233 patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures in the age group of 18 to 60 years and having preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) values above 9 g/dL. Values of preoperative hemoglobin, suction hemoglobin, and volume in the suction container were used to obtain the estimated blood loss. The normality of the data was tested using the Kolmogorov Smirnov test. Bland Altman analysis was used to test the reliability of HemoCue in estimating hemoglobin and blood loss with reference to the gold standard laboratory Coulter Counter automated hematology analyzer. Median blood loss calculated in our study using HemoCue was 554.65 mL with an interquartile range of 336.81 mL to 982.39 mL. Laboratory counter method estimated median blood loss was 533.37 mL with an interquartile range of 335.21 mL to 994.73 mL. The majority of the data obtained and analyzed using the Bland and Altman analysis method were within a 95% confidence interval. The HemoCue method is a reliable method and henceforth can be used to estimate blood loss in suction fluid in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures.

Comparison of haemoglobin estimation of blood donors by specific gravity method, HemoCue method and automated haematology cell analyzer

Introduction: Pre-donation haemoglobin (Hb) screening is among the foremost test done on blood donors to determine whether an individual is fit to donate with the intention of preventing inadvertent donation from an anaemic donor. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of the three common Hb estimation methods, namely, copper sulphate (CuSO4) method, HemoCue photometer and automated cell counter in reporting the Hb levels of blood donors. Materials and Methods: CuSo4 specific gravity method, HemoCue and automated cell analyzer (Sysmex XN-550) were used to determine the Hb levels in blood samples of 500 donors. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the demographic details of the donor. Kappa statistics were used to determine the level of agreement between the three methods of Hb estimation. Results: HemoCue was found to be more sensitive (86.21%), whereas CuSo4 (97.88%) was found to be more specific. Kappa agreement was good between CuSo4 and Sysmex XN-550 (0.703), whereas it was moderate between HemoCue and Sysmex XN-550 (0.458). Conclusions: The CuSO4 method is still viable for Hb estimation among blood donors. Thus, it can be utilised as the primary screening method; however, follow-up testing with HemoCue or automated cell analyzer can be done to minimise unnecessary deferrals and false acceptance.

Influence of altitude on hemoglobin levels and determination of the adjusting values

To establish the relationship between hemoglobin level of 6-23 month infants and altitude of their living places, and to determine the adjusting hemoglobin values for infants in high altitude areas. Conduct this study by using available data from Improvement of Nutrition in Children in Poor Rural Regions. 6-23 months infants were sampled with the method of combined multi-stage stratified cluster, PPS and random equidistant. Questionnaires were used to collect data of infants and their families, feeding practices and nutrition knowledge of caretakers. The weight and length were measured by the intelligent physical examination instrument. Hemoglobin was tested by HemoCue method with blood drop from finger tips. Altitude was checked by the residence regions. Linear regressions were used to analyze the relation quotation of hemoglobin and altitude, adjusting hemoglobin values were determined with the quotation. A comparison was observed among adjusting method of CDC, Dirren and the established. A total of 24 938 infants at age of 6-23 months were sampled from 140 counties, in 19 provinces in 2018. Data were from 22 207 male accounting for 51. 7% and 20 731 female, 48. 3%. The weight, height and hemoglobin were(77. 6±6. 2)cm, (9. 91±1. 62)kg and 11. 9 g/dL respectively. The altitude ranges from 10 m to 4236 m, averagely 893. 4 m. Anemia rates of the infants and adjusted with method from CDC, Dirren and this study were 18. 9%, 27. 5%, 22. 7% and 20. 3%, showing remarkable adjusting effect. This study obtained adjusting Hb value for 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 m were 0. 1, 0. 3, 0. 6 and 1. 2 g/dL respectively and noticeably lower than that of suggested by WHO. Adjusting hemoglobin values of 6-23 months were different from the used values.

Assessment of Weekly Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation with and without Health Education on Anemia in Adolescent Girls: A Comparative Study.

Background:Iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world, affecting a large number of children and women in developing countries and constituting a public health condition of epidemic proportions. Weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFS) with health education has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing anemia in adolescent school going girls. We assessed the impact of WIFS with and without health education on anemia in adolescent school girls of Delhi.Methods:This is a school-based intervention study conducted in two government senior secondary schools of Delhi. A total of 210 adolescent school girls from two schools were included in the study. In one school (intervention group), weekly ironfolic acid with health education once a month was given, and in the second school (control group), only WIFS was given for 6 months. Iron–folic acid supplementation containing 100 mg of elemental iron and 0.5 mg of folic acid was given on a weekly basis, and health education was provided once a month for 6 consecutive months. Hemoglobin (Hb) estimation was done at the beginning and the end of the study using the Hemocue method. Mean Hb change after intervention between the control and experimental groups was compared using a t test. Pre and post differences within the control and experimental groups were assessed using a paired-t test.Results:After intervention, there was a significant decline in prevalence of anemia in both the intervention (54.7 percentage points decline) and the control (26 percentage points decline) groups (P < 0.001).Conclusions:WIFS with once a month health education can be effective in reducing the prevalence of anemia in adolescent school girls.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA ASUPAN PROTEIN, ZAT BESI, VITAMIN C, DAN INHIBITOR ABSORPSI ZAT BESI DENGAN STATUS ANEMIA PADA LANJUT USIA DI PAGUYUBAN “WIRA WREDHA” WIROGUNAN, YOGYAKARTA

The prevalence of anemia in older people based on data from NHANES III by 11,0% of men and 10,2% of women suffered from anemia. The study used observational study with cross sectional design. Subjects for the study were 99 older people at Paguyuban “Wira Wredha” Wirogunan, Yogyakarta who complied for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collected include protein intake, iron intake, vitamin C intake, iron absorption inhibitors intake, body weight, and hemoglobin concentration. Data related to intake of protein, iron, vitamin C, and iron absorption inhibitors obtained by interview using SQFFQ. Body weight measured using weight scales. Hemoglobin concentration measured using hemocue method. The statistical test used to analyze the relationship is a Chi Square test or Fisher’s exact test. The prevalence of anemia in older people was 18,2%. There was significant relationship between intake of protein (p=0,005) and iron (p=0,007) with anemia status in older people. There was no significant relationship between intake of vitamin C (p=0,636), iron absorption inhibitors (tannin, phytate, oxalate acid) with anemia status in older people (p=0,184; p=0,129; p=0,393) with anemia status in older people. There were significant relationship between intake of protein and iron with anemia status in older people at Paguyuban “Wira Wredha” Wirogunan, Yogyakarta. There were no significant relationship between intake of vitamin C and iron absorption inhibitors with anemia status in older people at Paguyuban “Wira Wredha” Wirogunan, Yogyakarta.&#x0D; Keywords: Anemia status, iron, iron absorption inhibitors, protein, vitamin C

Prevalence and Determinants of Anemia among Adult Males in a Rural Area of Haryana, India

Anemia is an under-recognized morbidity among adult males causing significant productivity loss. A study was done among adult males (≥18 years) in a rural area of Haryana, India to estimate the prevalence and determinants of anemia and to explore their attitude and beliefs about anemia. Mixed methods approach was adopted. A total of 1219 participants were selected by multistage simple random sampling for the cross-sectional study and were administered a questionnaire followed by hemoglobin measurement using HemoCue method. Six focus group discussions were conducted. Age adjusted prevalence of anemia was 27.9% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 27.4–28.4%]. Anemia was found to be positively associated with age more than 50 years (OR: 2.7 (95% CI: 1.7–4.2) in age group 50–59 years and 3.6 (95% CI: 2.3–5.6) in age group ≥60 years as compared with age group 18–24 years) and presence of chronic co-morbidity (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2–3.2). There were misconceptions among study participants about the role of specific dietary factors in causation of anemia. Poor purchasing capacity was cited as main reason for not consuming iron rich diet. Anemia was a common morbidity in this study population.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and its association with anemia among pregnant women in Wondo Genet district, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies reported contradicting findings about the association between intestinal parasitosis and maternal anemia. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and its association with anemia among pregnant women in Wondo Genet district, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsThis facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in June and July 2018. Pregnant women (n = 352) were randomly drawn from five health centers using antenatal care follow-up lists. Trained data collectors administered the questionnaire. Capillary blood was collected and analyzed for hemoglobin using the HemoCue method. Stool sample was collected following standard procedure and analyzed for the presence and types of intestinal parasites using direct microscopy with Formalin-ether concentration technique. Association between intestinal parasitosis and anemia was measured using multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. The outputs are presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 38.7% (95% CI: 33.6–43.8%). One-tenth (9.7%) of the pregnant women were infected with polyparasites. Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant infection encountered in 24.9% of the women. The other infections identified were: hookworms (11.2%), Giardia lamblia (5.4%), Entamoeba histolytica (3.4%), Trichuris trichiura (2.9%) and Schistosoma mansoni (2.3%). The mean (± standard deviation) hemoglobin concentration was 12.3 (±1.9) g/dl and 31.5% (95% CI: 26.6–36.4%) women were anemic (hemoglobin < 11 g/dl). The prevalence of anemia among women infected with intestinal parasite (55.6%) was substantially higher than the prevalence in their counterparts (16.4%) (p < 0.001). In a multivariable model adjusted for multiple potential confounders including socio-economic status indicators, the odds of anemia were six times increased (AOR = 6.14, 95% CI: 2.04–18.45) among those affected by at least one intestinal parasite.ConclusionStrengthening the existing water, sanitation and hygiene programs and routine deworming of pregnant mothers may help to reduce the burden of both intestinal parasitic infection and anemia in pregnant women.

HemoCue against Coulter LH-750 in the estimation of hemoglobin levels of blood donors in mobile collection settings: a comparative study

Background: The fast and outpatient setting for a determination of the hemoglobin (Hb) level is a well-recognized prerequisite to detect anemia in blood donors. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the HemoCue methods (HemoCue B-Hb and HemoCue-301) against Coulter LH-750 as a reference method for Hb determination.Methods: This study was an experimental cross-sectional study. It includes 455 blood samples that were collected from volunteer blood donors between January 15, 2010 and February 15, 2011. The performance of the three methods and their comparisons were assessed using the analysis of coefficients of variation (CV), linear regression, and mean difference. Correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots were drawn to compare the two HemoCue measurements and the automated cell analyzer against each other and to evaluate their results. The Hb concentrations were compared using the concordance correlation coefficient.Results: The findings exhibited that the CV for the three methods Coulter LH-750, HemoCue B-Hb, and HemoCue-301 were 0.60%, 0.72%, and 0.92%, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between the means of the Hb measurements for the three methods (p&lt;0.001). The HemoCue B-Hb and HemoCue-301 methods showed the best agreement, and the Coulter LH-750 method gave a lower Hb value compared with the two HemoCue methods. The results showed a positive correlation of HemoCue Hb results compared with the reference method.Conclusion: All three methods provide a good agreement for Hb determination. The new device HemoCue-301 was found to be more accurate compared with HemoCue B-Hb and Coulter LH-750.

Synergetic Effects of Plasmodium, Hookworm, and Schistosoma mansoni Infections on Hemoglobin Level among Febrile School Age Children in Jawe Worda, Northwest Ethiopia.

Plasmodium coinfection with hookworm and/or Schistosoma mansoni has detrimental effects on human's hemoglobin level. This study aimed to determine the effects of plasmodium, hookworm, and S. mansoni infections on hemoglobin level among febrile school age children in Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2016 to August 2016. Plasmodium and helminths infections were detected using Giemsa stain and formol-ether concentration techniques, respectively. Hemoglobin level was determined using Hemocue method. Among 333 children, 143 (42.9%), 49 (14.75%), and 22 (6.6%) had Plasmodium, hookworm, and Schistosoma mansoni infections, respectively. The prevalence of Plasmodium-hookworm and Plasmodium-Schistosoma mansoni coinfections was 18 (12.6%) and 4 (2.8%) in children, respectively. The overall prevalence of anaemia in children was 41.4%. Effect of Plasmodium, hookworm, and Schistosoma mansoni on hemoglobin level was high. Therefore, febrile children should be screened for Plasmodium, hookworm, Schistosoma mansoni, and anaemia simultaneously in malaria endemic areas.

PERBANDINGAN KADAR HEMOGLOBIN ANTARA METODE SPECTROPHOTOMETER DENGAN METODE HEMOCUE PADA SAMPEL LEUKOSITOSIS

Background and objective: The measurement of haemoglobin was carried out by using hematology analyzer with specthrophotometermethod which measured light absorbance at 540 nm. However, this measurement affected by increase turbidity as a result of leucocytosis.The turbidity can be eliminated by using HemoCue method that detect absorbance at 570 nm and 880 nm. The aim of this study wasto compare the measurement of haemoglobin obtained between specthrophotometer method and HemoCue method. Materials andmethod: Blood EDTA sample that have been measured with MEK-6318K Nihon Kohden hematology analyzer for haemoglobin levelswith spectrophotometer methods with leucocyte &gt; 100.000/mm3 were included in this study. Blood sample are measured again forthe haemoglobin level with HemoCue B-Haemoglobin Analyzer. This study was conducted at Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Dr. HasanSadikin Hospital Bandung from August–October 2008. Result: Seventeen leucocytosis sample were enroled in this study. The meanhaemoglobin level from specthrophotometer method is higher than HemoCue method, however there was no statistically significantdifference between haemoglobin result from specthrophotometer method and HemoCue method (p = 0.742 &gt; a = 0.05). Conclusion:There was no significant difference beetween specthrophotometer method and HemoCue method for haemoglobin measurement ofleucocytosis sample.

Effect of intravenous iron sucrose on hemoglobin level, when administered in a standard-dose, to anemic pregnant women in rural Northern India.

Introduction:To combat anemia among pregnant women, in Haryana, Northern India, administration of intravenous iron sucrose (IVIS) was initiated in 2014 as a public-health measure. We assessed the effect of IVIS on hemoglobin (Hb) levels among the pregnant anemic women.Methods:Pregnant women identified as moderately or severely anemic (Hb <10.0 g/dL) in the second or third trimester during routine antenatal care were prescribed IVIS in a standard-dose of 400 mg given as 100 mg on alternate days. Neither dose calculation, nor allowance for iron-store, was included in this study. We analyzed the data collected between June 2014 and December 2015, at the two primary-health-centers, on Hb level (by HemoCue method) before start of the therapy (baseline), and 4-week or more after the last infusion (endline).Results:A total of 990 women received IVIS. Both baseline and endline Hg-levels were available for 763 (77%), who were included in the analysis. At baseline, the proportion of moderate and severe anemia was 87.94% and 12.06%, respectively. Mean (standard deviation)-Hb increased from 7.85 g/dL (0.80) at baseline, to 9.62 g/dL (1.30) at endline, with a mean increase of 1.76 g/dL (95% confidence interval 1.67, 1.85). The mean increase in Hb-level for pregnant women who had severe and moderate anemia at baseline was 2.54 g/dL and 1.65 g/dL, respectively. Overall, 15.33% of women achieved normal Hb-level by the time of endline measurement. No serious adverse reactions were reported during the observation period.Conclusion:Mean increase in Hb-level was 1.76 mg/dL. Severely anemic pregnant women had larger increase in Hb-level when compared with pregnant women with moderate anemia.

Continuous and simultaneous determination of venous blood metabolites

Metabolic syndrome is associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of interrelated clinical disorders. Difficulties in regulating glucose levels in blood are implicated in many of these disorders. Lactate, another energy metabolite, is produced under anaerobic conditions and can be used to monitor the balance between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Tested together, these metabolite levels can provide pro-diagnostic information that improves patient outcomes. Glucose and lactate were determined continuously and simultaneously in whole blood using a dual-channel thermal biosensor device in which one channel employed glucose oxidase for glucose analysis in comparison with lactate oxidase for lactate analysis in the others. No detectable clogging or interference was observed using venous blood samples. The linear detection range for both the glucose and lactate assays was 0.5–45mM. The sampling rate of up to 24 samples per hour with assay cycle time of 2.5min was achieved. Comparative analysis between our device and the HemoCue method showed an excellent correlation. The device was stable for hundreds of injections over a period of 45 days. The broad linear range, fast response and detection sensitivity are satisfactory for the clinical requirements, e.g. for diabetic or cardiovascular patients in intensive care units or surgical operation, where the tight control of blood glucose can decrease morbidity or mortality.

Prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in rural population of Kolar district

Background: Anemia is the most common hematological disorder during pregnancy. According to the reports of World Health Organization reports, from 35% to 75% (56% on average) of the pregnant women in developing countries are anemic. Prevalence of anemia in South Asian countries is among the highest in the world. India has the highest prevalence of anemia (87%). Objective: To determine the prevalence of anemia and factors influencing its causation among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 446 pregnant women from July 2013 to June 2014 in the rural population of Kolar district, Karnataka, India. The study participants were selected by using multistage sampling method. The hemoglobin estimation was done by using HemoCue method, and data were collected in a pretested questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 22. The X2-test and correlation coefficient was used to test the degree of significance. Result: A high prevalence (64%) of anemia was observed among pregnant women. The mean hemoglobin level was found to be 10.3 ± 1.53 g%, ranging from 5 to 15 g%. Anemia was predominantly observed among below poverty line families (59.4%) compared with above poverty line families (5.4%). The prevalence of anemia increased with increase in gestational age and gravida and decreased with increase in birth interval. Conclusion: High prevalence of anemia among pregnant women indicates anemia to be a major public health problem in the rural community. Factors such as socioeconomic status, birth interval, and gravida contribute to this high prevalence.

Effectiveness and Feasibility of Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation to Adolescent Girls and Boys through Peer Educators at Community Level in the Tribal Area of Gujarat.

Background:Anemia during adolescence affects growth and development of girls and boys increasing their vulnerability to dropping out-of-school. Hence investing in preventing anemia during adolescence is critical for their survival, growth and development.Objective:To find out the burden of anemia on adolescent age group in the tribal area of Jhagadia block and to assess the change in the hemoglobin level through the weekly Iron and Folic Acid IFA (DOTS) directly observed treatment supplementation under Supervision by Peer Educators at Community level among adolescents.Methods:Community based intervention study conducted with adolescents (117 girls and 127 boys) aged 10-19 years, through supplementation of IFA (DOTS) by trained Peer Educators for 52 weeks in 5 tribal villages of Jhagadia. Hemoglobin level was determined by HemoCue method before and after intervention and sickle cell anemia by Electrophoresis method. Primary data on hemoglobin and number of tablets consumed was collected and statistically analyzed in SPSS 16.0 software by applying paired t-test.Results:The overall findings suggest that the prevalence of anemia reduced from 79.5% to 58% among adolescent girls and from 64% to 39% among boys. Mean rise of hemoglobin seen was 1.5 g/dl among adolescent boys and 1.3 g/dl among girls. A significant association was found in change in hemoglobin before and after intervention (P = 0.000)Conclusion:Prevalence of anemia among girls and boys can be reduced in their adolescent phase of life, through weekly supplementation of iron folic acid tablets under direct supervision and Nutrition Education by Peer Educator at community level.

Prevalence and correlates of anemia among mothers of children aged 0-23 months in three districts of Karnataka, India

Background: Anemia is one of the major leading nutritional deficiencies in India. While vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and preschool and adolescent children have been studied extensively, the problem in lactating women is less well documented. Objective: To study the prevalence and correlates of anemia among mothers of children aged 0–23 months in three backward districts of Karnataka state in southern India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a cluster sampling technique from three geographically dispersed backward districts of Karnataka. We studied 647 mothers of children aged 0–23 months from three taluks in these districts, with hemoglobin estimation using HemoCue method. Result: In our study population with medium parity, the prevalence of anemia was 65.8% (426/647) [mild/moderate anemia (Hb = 7–11.9 g%) = 63.5%; severe anemia (Hb < 7 g%) = 2.3%]. On multivariate analysis, hemoglobin values were significantly associated with the educational status of the woman and consumption of iron tablets during pregnancy. Conclusion: Increasing efficiency of anemia control program during pregnancy through improved coverage and adherence along with continued care after delivery well after the traditional 3-month postpartum period will be needed to tackle the overall problem of anemia in women of reproductive age. There should also be a special focus on those from socially disadvantaged groups.

Effect of Home-Based Complementary Food Fortification on Prevalence of Anemia Among Infants and Young Children Aged 6 to 23 Months in Poor Rural Regions of China.

Following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the Chinese government instituted an infant and young and child nutrition program that included promotion of in-home fortification of complementary food with ying yang bao (YYB), a soy-based powder containing iron, 2.5 mg as iron-EDTA and 5 mg as ferrous fumarate, and other micronutrients. Ying yang bao was provided to participating families in 8 poor rural counties in Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces by the Ministry of Health. We assessed hemoglobin levels among infants and young children (IYC) aged 6 to 23 months at baseline in May 2010 (n = 1290) and during follow-up in November 2010 (n = 1142), May 2011 (n = 1118), and November 2011 (n = 1040), using the Hemocue method. Interviewers collected basic demographic information and child feeding practices from the children's caretakers. Altitude-adjusted hemoglobin level averaged 10.8 g/dL, and total anemia prevalence was 49.5% at baseline. Average hemoglobin was 11.3 g/dL at 6 months, 11.6 g/dL at 12 months, and 11.7 g/dL at 18 months after introduction of YYB. Moderate anemia (hemoglobin: 70-99 g/dL) decreased from 20.3% at baseline to 7.5%, 5.8%, and 7.3% after 6, 12, and 18 months of home fortification, respectively (P < .001), whereas mild anemia (hemoglobin: 100-110 g/dL) decreased from 29.0% to 16.7%, 18.1%, and 15.4%, respectively (P < .001). Among infants aged 6 to 23 months, 95% had regularly been fed YYB during the observation period. Regression analysis showed that the duration of YYB consumption and number of sachets consumed per week correlated positively with hemoglobin levels and negatively with anemia rates. Home food fortification with YYB is feasible and effective for nutrition promotion among IYC in high-risk regions of China.

Analysis of Reasons for Prospective Blood Donor Deferrals at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex Blood Collection Centre, in Trinidad and Tobago

Introduction: Blood banks must ensure reliability of blood supplies. However many prospective donors are temporarily deferred due to reasons that are preventable. Objective: To describe the reasons for deferral of prospective blood donors at a local Blood Collection Centre. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive analysis of reasons for deferral of 488 prospective blood donors between April 2011 and May 2012. They were screened using the Pan American Health Organization 2009 guidelines. Haemoglobin was assessed using the Copper sulphate (CuSO4) Method: 293 subjects (60.04%), or HemoCue Hb201+: 195 subjects (39.96%). Results: 179(36.7%) were females aged 18 to 59years. The commonest reason for deferral was high blood pressure: 126donors (25.8%). Others included lack of sleep 27 (5.5%), not eating prior: 5(1.02%), drank alcohol/ smoked prior, 9 (1.84%), tattoo/piercing, 14 (2.87%), breast feeding, inter-current illnesses, and too soon after a previous donation. 57(11.7%), were deferred due to low haemoglobin. 16 (28.1%), were screened using CuSO4 and 41(71.9%) using HemoCue. Conclusion: A high percentage of deferrals were due to hypertension or reasons that would not potentially endanger the blood recipients and could be prevented. This emphasizes the need for education of potential donor populations in order to avoid unfruitful blood bank visits. Deferrals based on low haemoglobin were higher using Hemocue method.

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

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.