Estimating the prevalence of anaemia: a comparison of three methods

Objective To determine the most effective method for analysing haemoglobin concentrations in large surveys in remote areas, and to compare two methods (indirect cyanmethaemoglobin and HemoCue) with the conventional method (di rect cyanmethaemoglobin). Methods Samples of venous and capillary blood from 121 mothers in Indonesia were compared using all three methods. Findings When the indirect cyanmethaemoglobin method was used the prevalenc e of anaemia was 31-38%. When the direct cyanmethaemoglobin or HemoCue meth od was used the prevalence was 14-18%. Indirect measurement of cyanmethaemo globin had the highest coefficient of variation and the largest standard de viation of the difference between the first and second assessment of the sa me blood sample (10-12 g/l indirect measurement vs 4 g/l direct measurement ). In comparison with direct cyanmethaemoglobin measurement of venous blood , HemoCue had the highest sensitivity (82.4%) and specificity (94.2%) when used for venous blood. Conclusions Where field conditions and local resources allow it, haemoglobi n concentration should be assessed with the direct cyanmethaemoglobin metho d, the gold standard. However, the HemoCue method can be used for surveys i nvolving different laboratories or which are conducted in relatively remote areas. In very hot and humid climates, HemoCue microcuvettes should be dis carded if not used within a few days of opening the container containing th e cuvettes.