Validation of the Hemo_Control instrument for determination of B-haemoglobin concentration in primary health care.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of a new portable haemoglobinometer, Hemo_Control (EKF-diagnostic, GmbH, Germany), which measures haemoglobin concentration in venous and capillary samples.

Method: The within series and between series imprecision of the Hemo_Control instrument were calculated after measuring the concentration of venous samples under standardized conditions; by experienced laboratory technicians in a hospital laboratory, and venous and capillary samples under conditions similar to where the instrument is intended for use; by personnel at two primary health care centres. The bias of the Hemo_Control instrument was calculated as the difference between its results and results obtained with a Coulter LH 750 instrument traceable to the ICSH reference method.

Results: The uncertainty of the Hemo_Control instrument for venous samples was lower than the quality goal of +/- 5% considered acceptable for patient care. High within series imprecision (5.5%) was observed for measurements of capillary blood samples in one of the primary care centres, whereas adequate analytical performance was obtained at the other centre. The Hemo_Control instrument showed negligible bias of +0.8 g/L for both venous and capillary samples in primary health care.

Conclusion: The observed uncertainty indicates that Hemo_Control is appropriate for near patient testing using venous samples. Capillary samples may be used if sampling skills are adequate.