Blood donor rejection rate: HemoCue hemoglobin analyzer vs. microhematocrit.

This study compared 2 different methodologies: hemoglobin by the HemoCue instrument and hematocrit by the microhematocrit method, to determine if there were any significant difference in the values that could affect donor rejection rates. Literature from the 1960s to 1990s reveals a variety of methods for hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations as well as discussions on fingerstick versus earlobe capillary samples. The HemoCue hemoglobin analyzer is a relatively new technology that tests capillary specimens. The copper sulfate method, although the method of choice for measuring prospective donor hemoglobin levels for many years, was not a part of the study. The microhematocrit method has historically been used as the method for measuring hematocrit alone or as a secondary procedure when donors failed the copper sulfate screening test.