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Discipline -
Haematology
Haemoglobin (Hb)
Assay formats
Optical methods, haemoglobinometer, if automated haematology analyser not available
Status history
First added in 2019
Changed in 2020
Purpose type
Diagnosis, Monitoring, Aid to diagnosis, Screening
Purpose
To diagnose and monitor anaemia and polycythaemia;
To monitor the safety of certain drugs (e.g. zidovudine for HIV infection);
To screen potential blood donors;
Clinical marker for certain severe infections (e.g. malaria, viral haemorrhagic fevers);
To aid in the diagnosis of intravascular haemolysis, renal conditions, rhabdomyolysis (myoglobinuria);
Note: When used for emergency or critical care, results are time-sensitive.
Specimen types
Capillary whole blood, Venous whole blood
Summary of SAGE IVD recommendation
General In vitro diagnostics tests are the general core and routine laboratory tests for clinical chemistry, haematology, blood transfusion, microbiology (virology, bacteriology, parasitology and mycology) and histopathology. These tests were selected on the basis of the scientific validity of an analyte, i.e. the association between an analyte and a clinical condition or physiological state; and clinical utility. Many of these tests are required for effective management of patients and have already been described in WHO publications.