HemoTypeSC, a low-cost point-of-care testing device for sickle cell disease: Promises and challenges

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2019Source: Blood Cells, Molecules, and DiseasesAuthor(s): Obiageli Nnodu, Hezekiah Isa, Maxwell Nwegbu, Chinatu Ohiaeri, Samuel Adegoke, Reuben Chianumba, Ngozi Ugwu, Biobele Brown, John Olaniyi, Emmanuel Okocha, Juliet Lawson, Abdul-Aziz Hassan, Ijeoma Diaku-Akinwumi, Anazoeze Madu, Osita Ezenwosu, Yohanna Tanko, Umar Kangiwa, Ahmed Girei, Yetunde Israel-Aina, Adama LaduAbstractBackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a neglected burden of growing importance.>312,000 births are affected annually by sickle cell anemia (SCA). Early interventions such as newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis and hydroxyurea can substantially reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with SCD. Nevertheless, their implementation in African countries has been mostly limited to pilot projects. Recent development of low-cost point-of-care testing (POCT) devices for sickle haemoglobin (HbS) could greatly facilitate the diagnosis of those affected.MethodsWe conducted the first multi-centre, real-world assessment of a low-cost POCT device, HemoTypeSC, in a low-income country. Between September and November 2017, we screened 1121 babies using both HemoTypeSC and HPLC and confirmed discordant samples by molecular diagnosis.FindingsWe found that, in optimal field conditions, the sensitivity and specificity of the test for SCA were 93.4% and 99.9%, respectively. All 14 carriers of haemoglobin C were successfully identified. Our study reveals an overall a...

Source: Blood Cells, Molecules, and Diseases - February 9, 2019 Category: Hematology Source Type: research