EKF DiaSpect Tm hemoglobin analyzer supports anemia study in West Africa

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas, USA, sent 15 nursing students on a study abroad program to Bolgatanga, Ghana, in the summer of 2018. Working at small village clinics, they established that anemia is prevalent among women of childbearing age, sometimes leading to blood transfusions, but more commonly, death. Therefore, in addition to measuring hemoglobin (Hb) using EKF’s fully portable hand-held analyzer and confirming the prevalence of anemia, the team also provided vital nutritional education. Given the success of this program, a further 15-strong team from the University will return in summer 2019, extending their anemia studies to include the elderly at high risk of mortality due to anemia.

In the summer of 2018, the nursing students focused on hemoglobin (Hb) testing among women of childbearing age. After reviewing current research data on anemia in Ghana, they developed an anemia-focused teaching program that provides education on the dietary importance of iron and protein. They also undertook a small research project on the women’s perceptions of anemia in women and children [1]. This study concluded that it is essential to understand the community before implementing public health initiatives, ensuring that teachings are accurate and tailored to the culture and mindset of the target audience.

Using the DiaSpect Tm for the study, a total of 176 Hb tests were conducted, with a 45% rate of tests below normal values. These results supported the pre-study desk research and the hypothesis that iron-rich and high-protein foods need to be increased in women’s diets.  The educational program focused on identifying local foods rich in iron or high in protein and explaining why it is essential to include them in the diets of new mothers, pregnant women, and those of childbearing age.

Leading the nursing team and study program, Carol Agana, University of Arkansas, explained why they chose to use EKF’s DiaSpect Tm in Ghana: “The point-of-care analyzer had to be unaffected by high ambient temperatures, as well as being easy-to-use and even easier to carry. Battery life was also crucial for working in remote areas, so when fully charged, it could last for a very long time, which is particularly beneficial when electricity is unavailable or intermittent.  Furthermore, having virtually instantaneous hemoglobin results meant the participants didn’t have to wait or return for these. Also ideal was that DiaSpect’s sampling cuvette requires such a tiny drop of blood from a standardized finger-prick procedure [2].”

“EKF’s contribution to our project helped to reinforce the education, and women were so impressed that they could get their blood checked immediately.  Even the local women working at the clinics asked to be tested as well. Our nursing staff also found DiaSpect Tm great to work with as the self-training video was easy to follow, and it being hand-held and lightweight, it was very easily transported in its protective carry case. Overall, it was a very successful program, and we look forward to returning this summer,” concluded Carol.

The DiaSpect Tm provides users with precise hemoglobin measurements (CV within run ≤1%) within two seconds of inserting its whole blood-filled microcuvette for analysis. Palm-sized, it is easily transportable and ideal for use in any screening setting, even in challenging climatic environments, as demonstrated by the Ghana-based study.

Factory-calibrated against the HiCN reference method by ICSH, DiaSpect is always on and ready to use, requiring no recalibration or maintenance. Also ideal for point-of-care settings, the rechargeable internal battery, which provides up to 40 days or 10,000 tests of continuous use, means no power source is necessary for weeks. Furthermore, its reagent-free microcuvettes have a shelf life of up to 2.5 years and can be used until the expiration date, even after the bag is opened. They are also unaffected by humidity or temperature across a wide range, making them well-suited for hot and humid climates.

References:

• [1] Albrecht, Sydney, “The perception of iron-deficient anemia in Bolgatanga, Ghana among women of childbearing age” (2019). The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses. 87. https://scholarworks.uark.edu/nursuht/87.
• [2] Lemburg, Katja, “Capillary Blood Sampling – for point-of-care hemoglobin testing, good capillary blood sampling practices are vitally important” (2017). Clinical Laboratory Products. November 2017; 6-9.