Evaluation of the HemoCue compared with the Coulter STKS for measurement of neonatal haemoglobin.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the measurement of haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) using the HemoCue haemoglobinometer with that using the Coulter STKS haemoglobinometer.


METHODS
Thirty two EDTA samples were taken from neonates. [Hb] was measured in these samples using the HemoCue; the samples were then transferred to the haematology laboratory for [Hb] determination with the Coulter STKS. In addition, [Hb] was determined in 50 different random EDTA neonatal samples already held in the laboratory, using the HemoCue and Coulter STKS.


METHODS
Neonates in the intensive care and low dependency Units of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.


METHODS
Samples were collected from arterial lines or by venepuncture or heel prick into an EDTA bottle.


METHODS
[Hb] using the HemoCue and Coulter STKS methods.


RESULTS
The mean [Hb] measured using the HemoCue was 150.3 g/l (range 78-215) compared with 152.8 g/l (range 78-217) measured using the Coulter STKS, with a mean of the differences of 2.5 g/l. The standard deviation of the differences of the 82 samples was 3.73 g/l. The limits of agreement of the two methods (mean difference +/- 2SD) were -4.8 to +9.8 g/l.


CONCLUSIONS
With adequate training and monitoring, the HemoCue can be used directly on the neonatal unit for rapid determination of [Hb] to within 7.5 g/l compared with the laboratory Coulter STKS, using much smaller sample volumes.
Rechner
I J
IJ
Neonatal Department, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DE, UK. ianorjennie@rechner99.freeserve.co.uk
Twigg
A
A
Davies
A F
AF
Imong
S
S
D006452:Hemoglobinometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D012016:Reference Values
D006454:Hemoglobins