Estimation of hemoglobin in blood donors: A comparative study using hemocue and cell counter.

Hemoglobin estimation is an integral part of donor screening in blood banks. Various methods are available for hemoglobin estimation and each one of them has its advantages and limitations. Hemocue as a hemoglobinometer is gaining widespread popularity not only for donor screening but also as a bedside hemoglobinometer. We conducted a study involving 535 donors with an aim to assess the accuracy of hemocue readings and compared it with cell counter values. We also compared the hemocue readings using capillary blood with the venous blood.