Anemia test
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Anemia Test: Diagnostic Approaches and Innovations
Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Red Cell Indices
The complete blood count (CBC) is a fundamental test in diagnosing anemia. It provides essential information about red cell indices, which can offer clues to the type of anemia present. Specific red cell morphologies can be indicative of particular types of anemia, and the reticulocyte count is useful for screening for hemolysis or blood loss1.
Serum Ferritin and Iron-Deficiency Anemia
For diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia, serum ferritin radioimmunoassay is highly effective. It has a high diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.95. This test is particularly powerful when interpreted correctly across different patient populations, including those with inflammatory, liver, or neoplastic diseases2.
Hematologic and Biochemical Tests
Laboratory testing is crucial for diagnosing various types of anemia, especially when clinical diagnosis is complicated by multiple underlying conditions. Hematologic parameters and biochemical tests, combined with patient clinical history, help identify the most likely causes of anemia3.
Impedance Measurement of Red Blood Cells
A novel diagnostic system based on the impedance measurement of red blood cells has been developed. This system uses a test strip to collect a blood sample and a hemoglobin meter to measure impedance, converting it into hemoglobin concentration. This method has shown superior accuracy compared to other commercial systems, with a standard deviation of less than 1%4.
Point-of-Care (POC) Tests
AnemoCheck-LRS
AnemoCheck-LRS is a color-based POC test optimized for diagnosing severe anemia in limited-resource settings. It has demonstrated higher accuracy and sensitivity compared to the WHO Haemoglobin Colour Scale (HCS), making it a valuable tool for identifying patients who may require blood transfusions5.
Disposable POC Anemia Test
A disposable POC test has been developed for self-testing anemia. This test uses a single drop of blood to provide color-based visual results that correlate with hemoglobin levels. It has shown high sensitivity and specificity for detecting both general and severe anemia, making it suitable for self-monitoring by chronically anemic patients6.
Microchip Electrophoresis
A POC platform using microchip electrophoresis can perform both anemia detection and hemoglobin variant identification. This integrated approach uses a single paper-based test and has shown high sensitivity and specificity for detecting anemia and sickle cell disease8.
Non-Invasive Detection Using Smartphone Apps
A smartphone app has been developed for non-invasive anemia detection. By analyzing photos of the fingernail bed, the app estimates hemoglobin levels with high accuracy. This method offers a convenient and immediate way for individuals to screen for anemia without the need for blood samples10.
Conclusion
The diagnosis of anemia has evolved significantly with advancements in laboratory and point-of-care testing. From traditional CBC and serum ferritin tests to innovative impedance measurement systems and smartphone apps, these diagnostic tools provide accurate, rapid, and accessible means to identify and monitor anemia. These developments are particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings and for patients requiring regular monitoring.
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