[A simple lightweight device for measurement of low hemoglobin concentrations: the Hemo Cue Low Hemoglobin Photometer].

To determine low hemoglobin concentrations in the washed fluid is useful for calculation of blood loss and that in the supernatant is also useful for evaluation of hemolysis during extracorporeal circulation or in the blood preparations. The HemoCue Low Hemoglobin Photometer is a new lightweight device, which is easily movable anywhere and is able to determine hemoglobin concentration in low ranges (0.03-3.00 g.dl-1). We investigated the accuracy and reliability of the HemoCue Low Hemoglobin Photometer. Blood samples were diluted with saline containing heparin into six tubes. The hemoglobin concentrations of each diluted sample were measured by the HemoCue Low Hemoglobin Photometer, and were compared with the calculated values. A high positive correlation was found between the values measured by the HemoCue Low Hemoglobin Photometer (Y) and the calculated values (X); Y = 1.047 X, r = 0.999, P < 0.0001. It took only 11-54 seconds (mean value: 31.4 seconds) for the measurement. It is concluded that the HemoCue Low Hemoglobin Photometer is a reliable and useful device for measurement of low hemoglobin concentration.