Calibration of the HemoCue point-of-care analyser for determining haemoglobin concentration in a lizard and a fish

• Published in: Conservation physiology 2016, Vol.4 (1), p.cow006-cow006
• Main Authors: Andrewartha, Sarah J., Munns, Suzanne L., Edwards, Ashley
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Atlantic salmon; Hemoglobins; Physiological aspects; Skinks; Toolbox
• ISSN: 2051-1434; 2051-1434
• DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow006

Hemoglobin concentration is commonly measured by point-of-care systems for many animal studies. The HemoCue Hb 201+ overestimated hemoglobin in blue-tongued skinks and diploid and triploid Atlantic salmon. The overestimation was systematic in both species, and therefore hemoglobin determined by the HemoCue can be corrected using appropriate calibration equations.AbstractHaemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) is measured for a wide variety of animal studies. The use of point-of-care devices, such as the HemoCue, is becoming increasingly common because of their portability, relative ease of use and low cost. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the [Hb] of blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua nigrolutea) blood can be determined accurately using the HemoCue and whether the HemoCue overestimates the [Hb] of reptile blood in a similar manner to fish blood. Additionally, we aimed to test whether ploidy affected [Hb] determined by the HemoCue using blood from diploid and triploid Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The HemoCue Hb 201+ systematically overestimated [Hb] in both blue-tongued skinks and Atlantic salmon, and there was no difference between calibration equations determined for diploid or triploid salmon. The overestimation was systematic in both species and, as such, [Hb] determined by the HemoCue can be corrected using appropriate calibration equations.