Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access

Abstract

Hemocue Validation for the Diagnosis of Anaemia in Children: A Semi- Systematic Review

Gwetu TP *,Chhagan MK ,Craib M ,Kauchali S

Background: Numerous methods are endorsed for Haemoglobin (Hb) estimation and anaemia assessment. The Hemocue is being introduced for routine use in clinics and hospitals in many developing nations. There are a number of illustrative cases that establish a clinical connection readily, but these have mainly been with adults. This study seeks tore view literature on the diagnostic accuracy of the Hemocue among children.
Methodology: This is a semi-systematic review of studies analysing the Hemocue device’s diagnostic accuracy determining haemoglobin levels among children aged zero to fifteen years.
Results: 18 studies were included. The main finding of this investigation is that the Hemocue system is a good screening test, being sensitive and reliably projecting necessity of a full blood count. It is not likely that diagnosis of a clinically significant condition can be overlooked by this investigation. Thus it would seem to be a useful method to use for Hb screening in appropriate situations. The studies reviewed generally reported a difference between the means obtained by Hemocue Laboratory analyser, though these did not reach statistical significance. A trend for underestimation of Hb values was reported with most studies. The Hemocue had a sensitivity range of 75-91%, specificity range of 88-100% and positive predictive values ranging from 75-80% for the detection of anaemia. The mean difference in Hb from paired samples ranged from 0.2- 0.35 g/dl (0.7%).
Conclusion: The Hemocue is comparable to usual laboratory methods for determination of Hb level in children. It is well appropriate for use in care of healthy paediatric patients and children with hematologic disorders. A full blood count is recommended when anaemia is identified or in suspected non-anaemic iron deficiency.