Evaluation of two commercially available photometers for blood donor haemoglobin measurement

Two commercially available portable haemoglobin measuring devices (Delphi Haemoglobin Meter and HemoCue) were evaluated both within the laboratory and under routine operating conditions in blood donation collection centres. Both meters demonstrated satisfactory accuracy when compared to the reference cyanmethaemoglobin (HiCN) method. Within-run and between-run precision of both meters was satisfactory. There was no significant difference evident between capillary and venous haemoglobin results using either meter. In the main blood collection centre, using Delphi meters, 63.1% of results returned from an external proficiency testing program were acceptable (± 2SD of Quality Control Laboratory result). In satellite centres using Delphi meters 36.5% were acceptable while 60.0% of HemoCue results from satellite centres were acceptable. Assay time was almost twice as long using the HemoCue. The study confirmed the necessity to evaluate equipment and operators under both controlled and routine operating conditions. External proficiency testing programs are recommended to monitor operator performance on a regular basis.