Enhancing blood donor screening: A comparative study of portable hemoglobinometer and automated hematology analyzer

Introduction: Hemoglobin (Hb) estimation is a critical component of blood donor screening to ensure donor safety and adequate transfusion outcomes. Portable hemoglobinometers, such as HemoCue, offer rapid, point-of-care testing, while automated hematology analyzers are considered more accurate but less practical in field settings. To evaluate the accuracy, correlation, and practical applicability of hemoglobin estimation using a portable hemoglobinometer compared with an automated hematology analyzer. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 95 randomly selected blood donors. Capillary blood samples were analyzed using a portable hemoglobinometer (HemoCue), while venous blood samples were assessed using an automated hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis included mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean hemoglobin values obtained were 13.96 ± 1.81 g/dL (portable hemoglobinometer) and 14.14 ± 1.85 g/dL (automated hematology analyzer), with a mean difference of 0.2 g/dL. The results demonstrated a strong correlation and minimal variation between the two methods. Conclusion: The portable hemoglobinometer provides reliable and accurate results comparable to automated analyzers, making it suitable for point-of-care donor screening, especially in resource-limited and field settings.