Advancing Anemia Screening: Performance of the Aspen Hb Meter Compared to Standard Methods

Abstract

Anemia, a global health concern with significant prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, poses serious challenges for women of reproductive age, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Early and accurate hemoglobin estimation is critical for timely intervention; however, traditional methods like the cyanmethemoglobin assay and automated hematology analyzers are impractical in decentralized settings. This study evaluates the performance of the Aspen Hb meter, a portable, spectrophotometry-based device, against the Serachem SC-60+ auto hematology analyzer. Hemoglobin levels from 1,280 adult females were analyzed, showing a strong correlation (R² = 0.977) and clinically acceptable agreement in Bland-Altman analysis. The Aspen Hb meter achieved a sensitivity of 98.14%, specificity of 95.80%, and accuracy of 97.57%, with minimal diagnostic errors. Its portability, rapid response, and cost-effectiveness highlight its utility in point-of-care diagnostics and public health programs. This device offers a scalable solution for improving anemia screening and management in low-resource settings, particularly in maternal health initiatives.