Invasive versus noninvasive hemoglobin measurement by pulse CO-Oximeter in neonates admitted to NICU

Background Total haemoglobin measurement (tHb) is one of the most commonly performed laboratory tests in patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Non invasive haemoglobin measurement is possible. In neonates this method can reduce iatrogenic blood loss. Studies performed in adults to compare haemoglobin (Hb) obtained with the use of non-invasive Hb monitor and laboratory method has shown a clinically acceptable accuracy of non-invasive Hb measurements Masimo Rainbow SET, Pulse CO‐oximetry developed by Masimo Corporation leverages 7 wavelengths and advanced signal processing technique to measure total haemoglobin (SpHb) values. The haemoglobin values measured through monitor is displayed continuously. This improves quality of care in babies by non invasive way. The monitor measures both pulse oximetry and SpHb with single probe which makes it advantageous (2) Objective. To compare transcutaneously spectroscopically measured hemoglobin values with venous hemoglobin values in neonates admitted to NICU. Study Design Prospective study in healthy preterm and term infants who were hemodynamically stable. Results Recordings were obtained from 76 stable infants (median gestational age at measurement: 36 weeks [range: 34–43 weeks]; median body weight: 1890 g [range: 1095–4360 g]). The spectroscopic haemoglobin values were corrected for inhomogeneous distribution of haemoglobin in the tissue. The venous and spectroscopic haemoglobin values were then compared by using the BlandAltman method, which gave an error of <5%. Conclusions This is a good relation between the 2 methods for measuring haemoglobin. Larger studies are required to validate this non invasive method in those with conditions that affects the perfusion.