Agreement between two hemoglobin measurement methods for the registration of new blood donors – a comparative study

Sammanfattning

Background: During new blood donor registration, multiple blood tests are performed to ensure that certain health criteria are met. Hemoglobin (Hb) was analyzed using Sysmex XN-9000 at the laboratory of Hudiksvall hospital, while the remaining tests were analyzed at the laboratory of Gävle hospital. If the Hb-levels were too low, potential donors were not eligible for donation. The use of point-of-care testing (POCT) instruments could provide Hb values directly at the blood center, thereby eliminating unnecessary sample transport and analysis. HemoCue Hb 201 DM was a POCT instrument that is a potential alternative. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare HemoCue Hb 201 DM and Sysmex XN9000 to evaluate a possible transition to Hb-analysis with HemoCue in the clinical routine for the registration of new blood donors. This transition would allow unnecessary samples to be discarded before the transport and analysis in Gävle, resulting in cost savings and reduced workload for laboratory staff. Material and method: Venous ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) samples from blood donors (39) and patients (21) were analyzed on Sysmex and HemoCue. Statistical analysis included a paired t-test and a Bland-Altman plot. Results: The t-test analysis showed a statistically significant difference (p = 1,0376x10-14). The Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated that HemoCue had a negative bias of –1,58 g/l. The mean values were 127,8 g/l for Sysmex and 126,2 g/l for HemoCue. Conclusion: Despite the significant difference between the instruments, it was not considered to be clinically relevant, suggesting that HemoCue can be used in clinical routine.