Reliability of transcutaneous hemoglobin measurements in an outpatient pediatric clinic

CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of a transcutaneous Hgb is less invasive for pediatric patients but has significant limitations. Smaller children (probe specifications) and movement limited the ability to obtain a tcHgb measurement in ~75% of children tested. Falsely normal tcHgb values occurred due to overestimation of hemoglobin when compared to the traditional cHgb device. The suboptimal sensitivity of the tcHgb device may cause providers to miss a diagnosis of anemia. Future research should compare both methods of Hgb assessment to the gold standard laboratory-analyzed complete blood count and use a smaller probe for children under 2, once available.PMID:34895027 | DOI:10.1080/00325481.2021.2018256
Source: Postgraduate Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Source Type: research