FIELD-EVALUATION OF A NOVEL HEMOGLOBIN MEASURING DEVICE DESIGNED FOR USE IN A RURAL SETTING

Objective. To evaluate the use of a robust, cheap method for haemoglob in estimation by non-laboratory-trained personnel in a rural setting. Design. Comparative study. Setting. Tintswalo Hospital, Acornhoek. Par ticipants. 7 nursing sisters, 4 medical students, 2 lay persons. Outco me measures. Haemoglobin estimates obtained with the colour scale were compared with the 'true Hb' values determined by the H3 Bayer-Techni con automated blood analyser. Results. Although individuals varied in their abilities to use the colour scale, its performance was generally very good when measured against automated haemoglobinometry, as deter mined by bias and regression analysis and also in terms of its capacit y to detect anaemia, as measured by sensitivity, specificity and posit ive and negative predictive values. Conclusions. Haemoglobin estimates obtained with the World Health Organisation colour scale are generall y reliable, although cognisance should be taken of individual variabil ity. While the utility of the device in monitoring response to therapy remains to be seen, it promises to be a suitable method for mass scre ening for anaemia.