Validating non-invasive haemoglobin measurement in an inpatient setting Travel Award

Full blood count (FBC) is typical for post-colectomy monitoring of haemoglobin (Hb) levels but can be costly. While unlikely to replace FBCs entirely, non-invasive Hb monitors could reduce their frequency, lowering operational costs. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Masimo Radical-67 (Rad-67) device in a colorectal inpatient setting.
42 inpatients scheduled for routine FBC were recruited. Participants' Hb levels were measured using Rad-67 on two separate days coinciding with their FBC. Rad-67 Hb was compared with FBC-derived Hb. Bland-Altman and McNemar analyses were performed.
A Bland-Altman analysis suggested that Rad-67 did not demonstrate high reliability and accuracy in measuring Hb levels (bias = 0.54 g/dL, limits of agreement: -1.51 to 2.59 g/dL). An inverse correlation between bias and mean Hb measurements was also observed (r = -0.274, p = 0.017). However, there was no significant difference in anaemia detection between Rad-67 and FBC, x² = 1.33, p = 0.25. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of Rad-67 in detecting anaemia were 84.62%, 83.33%, 91.67% and 71.43% respectively.
Care should be taken if using Rad-67 to monitor Hb levels. It should not substitute FBC, which is still the gold standard for measuring Hb. However, Rad-67 has potential for use in early triaging of anaemia, allowing for timely intervention. Further research can evaluate the utility of Rad-67 for continuous non-invasive Hb measurements.