Abstract
BACKGROUND : Anaemia is a major public health problem worldwide. Recent findings of NFHS-5 indicate an increasing trend in the overall prevalence of anaemia detected by Haemoglobin (Hb) meters at the community level. There is scepticism about the use of Point of Care Testing (POCT) devices to accurately measure the Hb level in community settings. The sensitivity and specificity of the Hb meters have to be evaluated properly before being used for the community level screening of anaemia.
OBJECTIVE : This study aims to evaluate the Sensitivity, Specificity and bias/Limits of Agreement (LOA) of the commercially available Hb meters / POCT devices, by comparing the results with Haematology Analyzer.
METHODS : A total of 416 blood samples were collected in a community setting at Kelampakkam Block, Chengelpet District and referred to State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) for the analysis of haemoglobin. A total of 9 Hb meters were tested which included 3 non-invasive and 6 invasive devices. The Non-invasive devices were evaluated on the site of sample collection and the invasive devices were tested in SPHL and the results compared and analyzed with haematology analyser.
RESULTS : All the 9 Hb Meters failed to meet the Government of India’s criteria for its sensitivity, specificity and bias/LOA, suggesting the use of Haematology Analyzer to accurately measure the Hb level.
CONCLUSION : Haematology analyser would be the method of choice for the accurate measurement of Hb in both institution and at community level screening of anaemia through an effective hub and spoke model of sample referral from community setting.
KEYWORDS : Anaemia, Haemoglobin, Hb meters