Do You Really Need a HemoCue Hemoglobin Tester?
If you have blood, you’ve probably heard of the HemoCue Hemoglobin Tester, but do you really need one? Here, we look at the features and pros of each one. The test is quick, accurate, and relatively cheap. Despite this, the accuracy of the test can be questionable. So which one should you buy? How do you determine your hemoglobin level? Here’s a quick overview.
HemoCue
The HemoCue Hemoglobine Tester is designed to measure the hemoglobin content in fingerstick samples and whole blood. This device has several important functions and requires periodic maintenance. Because it comes into contact with serum and blood, you need to clean it with gloves. You also need to check it daily for function before using it during clinical tests. To determine the accuracy of your results, make sure the HemoCue Hemoglobin Tester is within a standard range.
In a recent study, Bhaskaram et al (2003) compared the HemoCue Hemoglobun Tester with cyanmethemoglobin to estimate Hb. They evaluated Hb concentrations in 100 children, half of whom were anemic. The results indicated a mean Hb concentration of 9.33 g/dL for the HemoCue Hemoglobin Tester, and a Hb level of 8.14 g/dL for the cyanmethemoglobin method. Both methods performed well, but HemoCue’s sensitivity was greater than the cyanmethemoglobin method, and the specificity was higher.
The HemoCue HemoglobIN Tester is an excellent tool for determining a patient’s hemoglobin levels. Its accuracy and precision are comparable with those of lab-based tests. The HemoCue Hb201+ has a large number of benefits, including the ability to test for various blood types, including hemoglobin A1c. It also offers a differential white blood cell count.
The HemoCue HemoglobIn Tester is widely used in critical care areas of hospitals and mobile blood donations. Previous studies showed inconsistent results regarding the accuracy of the HemoCue Hemoglobin Tester. Some studies found that it had good accuracy compared to automated hematology analyzers, while others did not. The HemoCue Hemoglobin Tester is an inexpensive, quick, and easy to use device that does not require a vein puncture. It is also inexpensive, and gives an immediate result.
AccuQuik(tm)
The AccuQuik(tm) hemoglobin tester is a fast, accurate, and easy-to-use instrument for measuring the hemoglobin content in whole blood. The device requires a tiny amount of blood and is highly accurate. The device also contains all of the instruments needed to perform the test. It is CE, ISO, and USFDA certified, which means it is safe to use and backed by reliable data.
The bias of the AccuQuik(tm) hemoglobin tester was lower than that of Sysmex KN21TM and HemoCue(r) gravity methods. The results were within 5% of the values of the Sysmex KN21TM. However, the wicking method produced higher values than the gravity method. This result is significant, since the HemoCue(r) hemoglobin tester’s bias is much smaller than Sysmex’s.
Masimo Pronto-7
Masimo has developed a new hemoglobin tester, the Masimo Pronto-7, which uses a noninvasive procedure to measure SpO2, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Masimo also measures arterial oxygen saturation, pulse, and perfusion index to determine a patient’s total Hb concentration. The device was cleared by the FDA in 2008 and was reintroduced in August of last year.
The Pronto-7 has CE marking and is limited to international markets for now. Masimo representatives can quote and demonstrate the device in European, Asian, Canadian, Australian, and South American markets. The company plans to expand the global market for this hemoglobin tester, which is currently available only in the United States. However, if you’re a physician, you can ask your local physician for a demonstration of the product.
For fast, accurate and reliable measurements, the Masimo Pronto-7 uses rainbow 4D technology. Its palm-sized design allows it to perform noninvasive blood measurements of hemoglobin and SpO2 while quickly measuring pulse rate, perfusion index, and pulse rate. Unlike traditional hemoglobin testers, the Pronto-7 weighs just 10 ounces and can be used in a doctor’s office. The device eliminates the potential for contamination and hazardous medical waste.
The HemoCue is another popular hemoglobin analyzer. It has been used in epidemiological studies for a much longer time. It is less invasive, but still requires finger puncture to collect blood samples from children. Both devices have positive results, but they require proper training and adequate field work. The study was funded by Laboratorio Reactivos y Quimicos S.A. de C.V.
TrueHb Hemometer
The TrueHb Hemometer measures hemoglobin across a broad dynamic range. The TrueHb hemometer was tested at Plasma Labs International, Everett, Washington, using three venous blood samples. Each sample was serially diluted using the same plasma. Linearity and precision were evaluated in five replicates using three donors at 21degC and 32% RH. Overall, the TrueHb performed well.
In clinical studies, TrueHb demonstrated good accuracy in Hb estimation. It has good agreement with Sysmex’s i3 analyzer. Its accuracy and utility make it an excellent diagnostic tool in low-resource settings. However, some limitations remain. Some women may not be able to afford the TrueHb Hemometer. Further studies are needed to determine whether the TrueHb has improved accuracy. Nevertheless, the TrueHb hemometer is a good option for pregnant women, and ANC clinics in LMIC settings.
The TrueHb Hemometer offers many advantages over competing devices, especially if the test is conducted by an expert. During the trial, participants were asked to donate two fresh blood samples. One finger prick is enough for a single measurement; however, two finger pricks are not sufficient enough. However, the TrueHB Hemometer can accurately measure hemoglobin in venous and capillary samples.
The TrueHb Hemometer is an accurate hemoglobin measuring device designed for home use. The TrueHb Hemometer is based on patented US technology. The TrueHb Hemometer requires one drop of blood and displays the result in 60 seconds. While the TrueHb Hemometer results are useful for general information, they should not be considered medical advice. Its reflectance photometry system makes it suitable for self-testing.
EKF Diagnostics’ Hemo Control
The HemoControl POC analyzer from EKF Diagnostics is the next generation of point-of-care hemoglobin and hematocrit testers. It offers lab-accurate results at the point of care, and provides flexible connectivity options and Data Management functionality. The device’s soft-load microcuvette holder helps avoid splashing blood during testing, and results are instantly available. The results are also available for download into electronic patient records.
The HemoControl is a point-of-care hemoglobin analyzer that offers quantitative lab quality results in just 25 seconds. It uses the industry’s most accurate photometric azide methemoglobin method for reliable results. Its ease of use and portability make it the ideal choice for hospitals, blood banks, and doctor’s offices. Its bi-directional interface and public standard protocol allow for direct integration with third-party software.
The HemoControl is available in basic and advanced configurations. It offers up to four thousand patient results. It can be upgraded with the DM add-on pack. It allows for data management, barcode identification of patients, cuvette LOT, and quality control with lockout functions. The Hemo Control Manager is also capable of recording comments about the patient’s condition. The Hemo Control has been a proven performer in the laboratory for the past two decades.
The Hemo Control hemoglobin analyzer by EKF Diagnostics delivers lab-quality results, with a CV of 2% and a high correlation with NCCLS reference methods. Its measurement time varies from 25 to 60 seconds, depending on the amount of haemoglobin in the sample. The haematocrit result is derived from the measured hemoglobin.