Non-Invasive Screening Tool to Detect Anemia

Hemoglobin concentration is a vital parameter used to detect abnormalities in the human body including anemia and polycythemia. Currently, invasive techniques are used for hemoglobin measurement despite their many disadvantages including discomfort and potential complications for the pregnant, elderly and pediatric patients. This research paper focuses on measuring the hemoglobin concentration without drawing blood. In this study, measurements were obtained from a total of 106 patients and a linear relationship was obtained between hemoglobin concentration measured using the invasive technique (Hb) and the modulation ratio (R) calculated using red light and near-IR spectroscopy. The effect of confounding factors of gender and age were studied in this relationship. Based on the mathematical model developed, a non-invasive screening tool was developed to determine hemoglobin concentration. The device was evaluated using the 22 test subjects. The state-of-the-art hemoglobin measuring techniques do not facilitate continuous and remote monitoring which is essential in a point of care screening device. The proposed non-invasive device has the advantages of prevention of infections, physical pain, and the low operational or maintenance costs while being portable.