Upsala J Med Sci 91: 218, 1986 

Improved Reliability of Hemoglobin Assay with HemoCue for 
Satellite and Physicians Office Testing 

Marianne Falkensson and Henning von Schenck 
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden 

Introduction: Filter photometry of cyanomethernoglobin at one wavelength fol- 
lowing dilution of capillary blood with Drabkins solution according to the rec- 
mndations of the International Comnittee of Standardization in Hematology 
(ICSH) is flawed by imprecision related to high sample dilution and by possible 
errors due to sample turbidity. This study reports our experience of hanoglo- 
bindetermination in satellite and physicians office testing, SPOT, with a new 
equipment, HemocUe. This equipment is expected to deliver mre precise results 
because sample dilution is unnecessary and turbidity errors eliminated by read- 
ings at two wavelengths in a microcuvet. 

Methcd: We placed a filterphotometer and a HemoCue instrument at the emergency 
unit of our hospital. The personnel was trained for hanoglobindetermination. 
Capillary blood was obtained and split samples analysed as singles in the 
filterphotometer according to the ICSH and in the HemoCue according to the 
manufacturers instructions (Leo Diagnostics, Helsingborg, Sweden). Accuracy 
was checked simultaneously in MTA-blood analysed in the Hemalog 8/90 as ref- 
erence (R). 

Results: The ease of handling the HemSue equipment was appreciated by the 
users. The regression equation for the filter photometer (F'P) was FP = 1.02 (R) 
- 10 (n=69, r=0.69). The regression equation for the HerrcCue (HC) was HC = 
0.97 (R) - 0.5 (n=69, r=0.95). 

Conclusion: The HemoCue simplifies hemoglobinometry and clearly enhanced the 
reliability of the results by delivering mre precise and specific results as 
judged from the improved coefficient of correlation. It m y  thus be recmnded 
for SPOT. 

218