This portable, battery-operated device, called the HemoCue Hb 301, was specifically designed to test anemia in pregnant women. It is rugged and engineered to withstand heat and humidity. It operates with a cuvette that pricks for blood and the analyzer which provides a readout in 10 minutes. Tests in pregnant women in Cameroon showed that the test is very precise. Click here for distributors listed by country.

HemoCue Hb 301,
Measurement range: 0-25.6 g/dL (0-256 g/L or 0-15.9 mmol/L).
Accuracy: Correlation of 0.99 when compared to the reference method (ICSH method).
Results: The analyzer displays the results in approximately 10 seconds.
Sample volume: 10 µL.
Sample material: Capillary, venous or arterial blood.
Calibration: The system is factory calibrated against the ICSH reference method for hemoglobin.

Principle: Hemoglobin concentration is determined by measuring the absorbance of whole blood at an Hb/HbO2 isobestic point. This method correlates well with the reference method for hemoglobin determination (the ICSH method). The analyzer uses a double wavelength measuring method, 506 nm and 880 nm, for compensation of turbidity.

Method: van Kempen E J and Zijlstra W G. Spectrophotometry of hemoglobin and hemoglobin derivatives. Advances in Clinical Chemistry, vol 23, 199-257 (1983).

Dimensions: 160 x 140 x 70 mm (6.29 x 5.51 x 2.76 inches).
Weight: 500 g (1.10 pounds) with batteries installed.
Power: 4 AA batteries or power adapter.

Storage and environmental requirements
Microcuvette: The microcuvettes are to be stored at 10-40 °C (50-104 °F).
Short-term storage (6 weeks) -18-50 °C
(0.4 - 122 °F). Once opened the microcuvettes are stable for three months.

Analyzer: The analyzer can be stored at temperature 0-50 °C (32-122 °F). The operating temperature is 10-40 °C (40-104 °F). Allow the analyzer to reach ambient temperature before use.