2nd Edition of Preventive Medicine World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Accurate and reliable point-of-care tests (POCTs) for haematocrit estimation are crucial for the timely diagnosis and management of anemia.

Objective: The study aimed at evaluating Veri-Q meter's (a point of care machine) accuracy for haematocrit (Hct) estimation comparing venous and capillary measurements against the microhaematocrit method.

Method: One hundred sick children aged 0 -15 years were recruited at random. Haematocrit was estimated using Veri-Q meter from finger prick (capillary) and venous blood samples, and microhaematocrit method from venous blood sample. Appropriate statistical methods were used to compare the results obtained by the two methods.

Results: The Veri-Q meter significantly underestimated Hct levels, with mean differences of 2.023% (venous) and 5.049% (capillary) compared to microhaematocrit (p < 0.001). Despite this underestimation, the Veri-Q meter effectively differentiated between anaemic (Hct < 33%) and non-anaemic children. For anaemia detection, venous Veri-Q showed 76.7% sensitivity and 95% specificity, while capillary Veri-Q had 65.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Linear regression analysis indicated a positive correlation, stronger for venous samples (ρ = 0.919) than capillary (ρ = 0.847), with proportional bias. Bland-Altman analysis confirmed greater bias with capillary measurements. Post-regression analysis suggested that correction equations could potentially improve Veri-Q accuracy.

Conclusion: While underestimating Hct, the Veri-Q meter can distinguish between anaemic and non-anaemic states, with venous sampling demonstrating better sensitivity. Calibration may enhance its utility in resource-poor settings, but further validation is necessary