Efficacy of Pulse Co-oximeter in Hemoglobin Estimation: A non invasive method

Abstract

Background: Total Hemoglobin(Hb) measurement is one of the most common and important parameter that is investigated in the laboratory. This non invasive method allows pain free continuous online patient monitoring with minimum risk of infection and facilitates real time data monitoring allowing immediate clinical reaction to the measured data. The objective of the study is to test the efficacy of pulse co-oximeter .Methods: Present study is a prospective comparative study. A total of 261 patients enrolled for the study after their consent. Non invasively measured SpHb values and invasively measured Hb values were then compared by using Bland Altman statistical analysis .Result: Pulse co-oximeter recorded/displayed SpHb in 90.8% patients and did not display SpHb in 9.2% of patients. Out of which 73-75% patients Hb showed variation of less than or equal to 2gms and 20-24% patients Hb showed variation of more than 2 gms. On Bland Altmann comparative analysis of SpHb and Hb revealed bias and limits of agreement was 0.2+3.3gm/d and 95% of the measurements fell within two standard deviation of the mean difference and P value < 0.001 represents good correlation between SpHb and Hb of Lab1 and Lab 2. Conclusion:Pulse co-oximeter can be used as a screening tool for Hb measurement . It determines Hb instantly and non invasively with 73-75% of the values show variation of less than or equal to 2gms. Further studies are needed to determine financial aspects and needs upgradation in terms of accuracy of the instrument.

Continuous monitoring of Physiological parameters using PPG

“…SpHb method reported accurate Hb measurements and keeps track of continuous monitoring of bleeding in patients and also helped in the detection of anemia (18) . Many researchers demonstrated decreased accuracy during blood loss and also detect a decrease in Hb level in dynamic situations and also indicate the appropriate timing for further Hb measurements (19)(20)(21)(22)(23) . Several studies have shown that the need for blood transfusions can be significantly reduced during surgery with the help of constant monitoring of the hemoglobin level (24)(25)(26)(27) .…”