A comparative quality evaluation of Point of care methodology for testing Hemoglobin in Blood Donors by two different technologies

Blood donor hemoglobin (Hb) estimation is an important predonation screening test. It serves the dual purpose of protecting the donors' health against anemia and ensuring good quality of blood components, which has an implication on recipients’ health. We have estimated Hb screening using three analyzers – DiaSpect Tm, AccuSure Hb (Model HB 101), and Sysmex XP-100 cell counter. Hb test was conducted in venous blood samples by DiaSpect Tm, AccuSure Hb (Model HB 101), and Sysmex XP-100 cell counter. Donor Hb test determination showed lower sensitivity in AccuSure Hb (Model HB 101) than that in DiaSpect Tm analyzer. Despite the availability of various tests, no single technique has emerged as the most suitable one for Hb screening in blood donors. Notwithstanding a tremendous evolution in terms of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and cost, a component of inherent variability persists, which may partly be attributed to preanalytical variables. Our finding shows the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy value of DiaSpect Tm were higher than those of AccuSure Hb (Model HB 101). DiaSpect Tm seems to be more appropriate for venous blood Hb measurement in donors as a point-of-care testing methodology.