Noninvasive device accurately monitors Hb levels

Measurements of hemoglobin (Hb) using a noninvasive monitor positively correlate with measurements based on a traditional blood draw, a study conducted in Tokyo, Japan revealed. The 120 participants, aged 9 to 15 years, first had their Hb levels measured using the portable Astrim Fit device, which estimates levels using near-infrared spectroscopy combined with optical imaging. After undergoing the noninvasive procedure, the children had blood drawn, and investigators analyzed and compared the 2 sets of data. The comparison revealed an extremely low bias, no systematic bias relative to both fixed and proportion biases, and a positive correlation in Hb levels between those obtained with the noninvasive monitoring device and those from blood collection. Although the investigators said that agreement between the 2 methods needs to be improved before noninvasive monitoring can be used for medical diagnosis, they concluded that the device may be useful for evaluating Hb levels among schoolchildren in a health promotion or research setting.

Thoughts from Dr. Farber

Modern technology continues to amaze. This is not ready for public use yet and will also need to be improved so we can use it on infants but will be another breakthrough when it comes. And, as with sublingual allergy therapy, will further expand our ability to treat children noninvasively.

Reference

1. Okazaki K, Okazaki K, Uesugi M, Matsusima T, Hataya H. Evaluation of the accuracy of a non-invasive hemoglobin-monitoring device in schoolchildren. Pediatr Neonatol. Published online July 24, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2021.05.028