Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-lnqnp Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T05:40:11.824Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Test of a Noninvasive Instrument for Measuring Hemoglobin Concentration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 March 2009

Constanza I. Sanchez-Carrillo
Affiliation:
Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Centro de Investigaciones en Salud Publica, Mexico
Teresita de Jesus Ramirez-Sanchez
Affiliation:
Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Centro de Investigaciones en Salud Publica, Mexico
Marcela Zambrana-Castañeda-
Affiliation:
Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Centro de Investigaciones en Salud Publica, Mexico
Beatrice J. Selwyn
Affiliation:
University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston

Extract

A colorimetric instrument for the noninvasive quantification of hemoglobin, designed using color shades resembling those observed in the conjunctiva, was tested. The instrument's colors are contrasted against the color of the conjunctiva to measure hemoglobin content. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and false-negative value were estimated to test the instrument's accuracy; kappa coefficients were used to estimate inter- and intraobserver variability. Physician field evaluations of conjunctiva color for the screening of anemia, reported in the literature, have had sensitivities and specificities as high as 70%. Readings with the instrument demonstrated a 63% sensitivity, 72% specificity, and 38% false negatives for screening hemoglobin values of less than or equal to 13 g/dl. The interobserver kappa coefficients for three pairs of readers were good to excellent for the same hemoglobin screening value. Statistically significant differences were noted, however, between observers during the reliability test. The instrument can be used by unskilled personnel to improve their decision-making about whom to send for futher care or for supplementation with iron.

Type
General Essays
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Fleiss, J. L.Statistical methods for rates and proportions. 2nd ed.New York: Wiley, 1986.Google Scholar
Gjørup, T., Bugge, P.M., Hendriksen, C. & Jensen, A. M.A critical evaluation of the clinical diagnosis of anemia. American Journal of Epidemiology, 1986, 124, 657–65.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Glass, R., Batres, R., Selle, C. et al. , The value of simple conjunctival examination in field screening for anemia. Nutrition Reports International, 1980, 21, 405–12.Google Scholar
Griner, P. F., Mayewski, R. J., Mushlin, A. I. et al. , Selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests and procedures. Principles and applications. Annals of Internal Medicine, 1981, 94 Part 2, 553600.Google Scholar
Shah, K. P. & Shah, P. M. Appropriate technology for MCH services in the context of primary health care. World Health Organization Newsletter, 08 9, 1981.Google Scholar
Stone, J. E., Simmons, W. K., Jutsum, P. J. & Gurney, J. M.An evaluation of methods of screening for anemia. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 1984, 62, 115–20.Google Scholar
Thorner, R. M. & Remein, Q. R. Principles and procedures in the evaluation of screening for disease. Public Health Monographs, No. 67, 1961.Google Scholar