Use of the WHO hemoglobin color scale in family welfare clinics in India.

A situation is reported for the use of the WHO color scale for the measurement of hemoglobin, which was introduced into India in 1996. Charity family welfare clinics held at a medical college hospital in North India offer free sterilization by tubal ligation under local anesthetic to women following a preliminary screening. An obligatory test of the hemoglobin level is required and must be above 7.0 g/dl for the operation. Some clinics attract large numbers, and the card gives a cheap, rapid and reasonably accurate test, adding to the smooth running and reduction of waiting time. It has proved satisfactory over a 2-year period; 2.3% of participants were shown to have a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dl or less.

Field evaluation of who hemoglobin color scale in West Java.

The results obtained with a WHO hemoglobin (Hb) colour scale were evaluated in a field study in Chibubur district in Java island by comparison with hemoglobin values obtained by an automated blood cell analyzer K-800 (Sysmex. Kobe, Japan). When the color scale test was performed following the instructions for use. Hb values observed were usually higher than the values obtained by the analyzer. Thirty microl blood was loaded on the filter paper and an 60 sec waiting period was used. The sensitivity of results obtained with the color scale was 23.3% (14/60), and specificity was 96.6% (58/60). We propose an additional testing method based on our results.