A comparative study on prevalence of anaemia in women by cyanmethaemoglobin A.

Research question: What is the extent of agreement between Gold Standard Cyanmethaemoglobin (HiCN) and HemoCue (HC) methods in measuring Haemoglobin (Hb) levels in women? Hypothesis: HemoCue method tends to overestimate the levels of Hb and as a result the prevalence rates of anaemia would be lower using this method. Objective: Evaluate the extent of agreement between HiCN and HC methods in measuring Haemoglobin levels in women. Study design: Cross-sectional observational clinic and laboratory based study. Setting: Niloufer Hospital for women and children and Urban Health Centre Hyderabad. Participants: Pregnant and Non-Pregnant women. Sample size: 207 pregnant and 212 non-pregnant women. Study variables: Hb levels and severe anaemia in women. Statistical analysis: Mean standard deviation regression analysis percentage distribution. Results: Mean difference in Hb levels by the two methods was found to be 2.08 with a SD of 0.08. The HC method overestimated Hb as compared to HiCN method. Correlation coefficients (r) were significantly different from zero and the regression coefficients (b) were significantly different from one as well. The data analysis clearly suggests that the correction factor would vary depending upon the level of Hb. Sixty five per cent of pregnant women were found to be "normal" by HC method in comparison to 22% by HiCN method. Conclusions: HiCN method should continue to be the method of choice for assessment of anaemia prevalence. (authors)