Comparison between two portable hemoglobinometers and a reference method to verify the reliability of screening in blood donors

Portable hemoglobinometers are used to determine hemoglobin level, but there are conflicting reports regarding their accuracy. The aim of this study was to compare results from two portable hemoglobinometers (HemoCue® and Hemo-Control) with an automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex XE-2100D) to determine if the screening of blood donors is reliable. A total of 426 blood donors' samples were studied and on average the Hb content measured in capillary blood samples was higher than that found in venous blood samples. Hemoglobinometers can be employed as a method to screen blood donors, but critical values should be confirmed in an automated hematology analyzer.