Evaluation of portable haemoglobinometer in general practice.

The HemoCue system for estimating haemoglobin was evaluated within urban general practice. It gave excellent results when used within a laboratory environment (on 103 paired samples) but disappointing ones when evaluated by practice nurses within general practice (on 235 paired samples). The most likely source of error was inadequate mixing of the blood specimens before sampling, which might be obviated by using a rotating mixer. It is emphasised that equipment intended for use in general practice should be evaluated under normal working conditions envisaged.