Evaluation of HemoQR (Haemoglobin Detection test with mobile based software) in multiple primary healthcare centres using 400 patient samples in comparison to gold standard methods and other point of care (POC) devices.

Background: Anaemia is an error in the biological system which can lead to mortality if the condition deteriorates. India is one of the world’s leading contributors of anaemia. The major reason for this disease is malnutrition and women of reproductive age (WRA) and children are one of the most vulnerable groups to this condition and maternal anaemia is associated with increased mortality. Methods: We have compared three devices Device A (HemoQR) and Device B(Hemocue) and Device C [Haematology Analyzer-Fully Automated-5 parts (Cellenium Junior)] in multiple primary healthcare centres (PHCs) using 400 samples from patients of different age groups using fingertip pricked blood for the test. Results: The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy obtained from our study was 91.27%, 95.30% and 90.45 % respectively. The results of this study were satisfactory when compared to the criteria of Anemia Mukt Bharat” (AMB) program initiated by the government of India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare which states a sensitivity and specificity of 80% minimum for an invasive digital hemoglobinometer. Conclusion: The study concludes that HemoQR can be an efficient, economical and smart point of care (POC) haemoglobin (Hb) detection test system using a mobile based application for analysing and collecting the data. Keywords: Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB), Haemoglobin, smartphone-based application , Invasive, Hemoglobinometer.