Evaluation of hemoglobin testing using the Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) method in blood donor candidates at the Blood Transfusion Unit of the Indonesian Red Cross (IRC), Bekasi Regency
Main Article Content
Keywords
hemoglobin, POCT, Hematology Analyzer
Abstract
Background: Hemoglobin (Hb) assessment is an essential screening test for prospective blood donors, as it helps safeguard both donor safety and the quality of transfusion components. Accurate testing also supports optimal outcomes for blood recipients. Point-of-care testing (POCT) is one of the hemoglobin measurement methods endorsed by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of an Hb meter used in donor screening and to compare Hb values obtained using POCT with those measured using a hematology analyzer as the reference method.
Methods: Precision testing of the Mission HemoPro device was conducted using three levels of control solutions. Accuracy evaluation was performed on 35 venous blood samples collected from donor candidates, measured using the POCT device, and compared with results from a hematology analyzer (Sysmex XN-350).
Results: Precision assessment across low, medium, and high control levels yielded coefficient of variation (CV) values of 0.53%, 0.61%, and 0.40%, respectively. Accuracy evaluation demonstrated a mean bias of 0.15 g/dL, corresponding to a 1.11% bias. Dependent T-test analysis produced t = 2.061 with p = 0.047 and a mean difference of 0.154 g/dL. Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between the two methods (r = 0.949).
Conclusion: Hb measurement using POCT exhibited a statistically significant difference compared with the reference method; however, the numerical discrepancy was small and clinically acceptable. The strong correlation observed indicates that POCT Hb testing is suitable for use in donor screening at blood transfusion units.
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