Use of the WHO hemoglobin color scale in family welfare clinics in India.

A situation is reported for the use of the WHO color scale for the measurement of hemoglobin, which was introduced into India in 1996. Charity family welfare clinics held at a medical college hospital in North India offer free sterilization by tubal ligation under local anesthetic to women following a preliminary screening. An obligatory test of the hemoglobin level is required and must be above 7.0 g/dl for the operation. Some clinics attract large numbers, and the card gives a cheap, rapid and reasonably accurate test, adding to the smooth running and reduction of waiting time. It has proved satisfactory over a 2-year period; 2.3% of participants were shown to have a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dl or less.