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Use of the HemoCue ® near patient testing device to measure the concentration of haemoglobin in suction fluid at elective Caesarean section *
Author(s) -
Gupta A.,
Wrench I. J.,
Feast M. J.,
Alderson J. D.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2007.05400.x
Subject(s) - medicine , caesarean section , limits of agreement , elective caesarean section , suction , obstetrics , anesthesia , gynecology , surgery , nuclear medicine , pregnancy , mechanical engineering , genetics , engineering , biology
Summary We have investigated the suitability of the HemoCue ® photometer to measure the concentration of haemoglobin in suction fluid obtained at elective caesarean section in 30 women. Laboratory analysis was used as a gold standard against which values generated by the HemoCue were compared. We used the method of Bland and Altman to analyse the data. The bias and the limits of agreement were −0.013 and −0.39 to 0.36 mg.dl −1 respectively, indicating a good level of agreement. Mean (SD) total blood loss calculated using these data, combined with the weight of the swabs, was consistently greater than clinical estimation: 768 (496) ml versus 506 (249) ml respectively (p < 0.001). We have found that the HemoCue near patient testing device may be used to estimate blood loss accurately in the suction fluid obtained at elective Caesarean section.