A hemoglobin meter measures the level of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT）in the blood, displaying the measurement as a percentage. It is very useful for health checks, especially in diagnosing conditions such as anemia.
- Hemoglobin Levels
Hemoglobin (Hb) is found in red blood cells and transports oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. If hemoglobin levels are too low, it is called anemia. Symptoms of this deficiency include fatigue, weakness, fainting, paleness, or shortness of breath. If hemoglobin levels are too high, it is called polycythemia. Excessive hemoglobin can cause vision problems, dizziness, headaches, and other symptoms.
- Hematocrit Levels
Hemoglobin gives blood its red color, and its value is closely related to the number of red blood cells. Hematocrit (HCT) level refers to the proportion of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) in the blood, with plasma as the remaining part. Since red blood cells make up about 98% of blood cells, the hematocrit measurement is the ratio of red blood cells to total blood volume in a sample.
When to Use a Hemoglobin Meter?
Measuring hemoglobin levels in the blood can diagnose various conditions, including anemia and polycythemia. Elderly people, women, children, and pregnant women, who typically have lower hemoglobin levels. People living at high altitudes tend to have higher than average hemoglobin levels.
Important Points to Select Hemoglobin Meters?
Key points include:
- Accuracy
- Measurement range
- Sample blood volume
- Stability
- Other points: such as automatic strip ejection and siphon method, no pipettes required
How to Choose the Right Hemoglobin Meter?
- Manufacturer Stability: Investigate the manufacturer’s background to ensure production stability and continuous product supply.
- Product Parameters: Beyond conventional parameters, features like faster measurement to reduce waiting time, automatic strip ejection to avoid cross-contamination, and ease of use without transfer pipettes are more popular.
- Prices: Different manufacturers have different pricing strategies; some offer almost free meter but expensive test strips, while others price both moderately.
- After-Sales Warranty: generally, most Hb meters have a shelf life of 5 years for the meter, and 2 years for the strips.
- Operation Condition: In areas with high temperatures or humidity, consider the product’s operational temperature and humidity requirements, opting for meters with a broader range.
Product Comparisons
This time, we compared with ACON Mission Plus Hb and Urit-12 Hb meters, the most popular models, the comparison analysis details are listed as follows:
| Brand |
Mission Plus Hb
|
|
URIT 12 Hemoglobin Meter
|
| Methodology | Reflectance Photometry | Reflectance Photometry | Reflectance Photometry |
| Detection Principle | Methemoglobin | Methemoglobin | Methemoglobin |
| Time to Results | < 15 seconds | ≤5 seconds | ≤10 seconds |
| Memory | 1,000 test results | 1,000 test results | 250 test results |
| Specimen Volume | 10 μL | 5 μL | 13 ~ 15 μL |
| Specimen Type | Capillary and Venous whole blood | Capillary and Venous whole blood | Capillary and Venous whole blood |
| Hb Measurement Range | 4.0 ~ 25.6 g/dL (2.5-15.9 mmol/L) | 0 ~ 26 g/dL (0 ~ 16.1 mmol/L) | 4.0 ~ 24.0 g/dL |
| Hct Range | 13-75% | 0-76% | Information not available |
| Power Source | 4*AAA (1.5 V) | 3*AAA batteries | 2*CR2032 batteries |
| Strip ejector | No | Yes | No |
| Pipette required | Yes | No | No |
| Siphon method | No | Yes | No |
| Automatic Shut Off | 8 minutes | 4 minutes | 2 minutes |
| Battery Life | 2,700 tests or 360 hours | Approximately 1000 tests | Information not available |
| Operating Conditions | 10-40 ºC (50-104 ºF); ≤90% RH | 10-40 ºC (50-104 ºF); ≤90% RH | 15-30 ºC (59-86 ºF); ≤90% RH |
| Meter Storage Conditions | 0-50°C (32-122°F); ≤90% RH | 0-50°C (32-122°F); ≤90% RH | Information not available |
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