Non-invasive hemoglobin screening device: a promising digital method for reducing anemia prevalence through routine screening and timely intervention.

BACKGROUND: Several non-invasive technologies are nowadays available in the market which claim to determine the hemoglobin levels instantly without the requirement of the blood sample. But no study has shown the significance of such non-invasive devices on a routine basis for determining their impact on anemia reduction programs. This study is conducted to determine the impact of regular hemoglobin screening on the women population to determine its potential in reducing anemia, using a digitalized non-invasive device. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 203 women of reproductive age group, residing in the Moradabad district. Repetitive readings were taken after a time interval of a minimum of 1 month for determining the impact of regular screening. The entire data collection process was carried out using the EzeCheck mobile app. RESULTS: It was observed that the prevalence of anemia was reduced upon the second time screening and was accepted by the women population. Repetitive testing has a significant impact on reducing anemia prevalence. Also, the simplified non-invasive technology for estimating the hemoglobin values, makes the user more comfortable to take the test. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive devices should be used regularly to keep track of hemoglobin levels which will help in the effective treatment of anemia. The mobile app-based testing could help to easily evaluate the reports of the patients from any remote location with instant result interpretation and health assistance.

Estimation of haemoglobin using non-invasive portable device with spectroscopic signal application.

An estimated 52% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age in India are estimated to be affected by anaemia, which is categorised as a chronic condition. In 2019-2021, the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) which was undertaken revealed the following statistics about the prevalence of anaemia in the state of Karnataka. To estimate haemoglobin levels using non-invasive portable device among nursing students. A cross sectional study was done among students of Nursing college in central Karnataka for a period of 3 months. Total of 140 students were included in the study. EzeCheck haemoglobin estimation was done twice and was recorded in the same Google form. The frequency and percentage of variation of results between Haematology Analyzer and EzeCheck devices was presented with a range of difference such as 0, less than 1, 1.0 to 1.9, 2.0 to 2.9, 3.0 to 3.9, and 4.0 and above. The total prevalence of anaemia among nursing students was 57.8% and most of the students had moderate degree of anaemia (28.6%). Two readings of haemoglobin were taken and difference of readings were calculated and majority of the students had difference of < 0.5 gm/dl (61.4%) and only 1.4% of the students had difference of > 2 gm/dl. The mean difference of haemoglobin of two readings was 0.5 ± 0.5 gm/dl. The technology employed in this study bridges the gap between patients and anaemia diagnosis by providing screening services. The device provides the diagnosis via a non-invasive, IoT-enabled service at a low cost.