Screening by Point of Care Testing: A Critical View for Community Health Service to Evaluate Anemia in Women

Background: Anemia is a public health issue that affects people in both developed and developing countries. Given the global significance of this disease, several countries are implementing measures to minimise anaemia, particularly among the individuals most vulnerable to its fatal effects: pregnant women and young children. Attempts have been made over the last three decades to establish estimates of the prevalence of anaemia at various levels, utilising a variety of methodologies, including the deployment of point-of-care testing. Aim and Objective: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia in women by POCT screening method; a camp based study in residents of DRDO, Pune. Material and Methods: 110 women of different age group participated in a medical camp conducted at DIAT-DRDO, Pune. 3 ml of venous blood was obtained in a EDTA vacuitainer. Estimation of hemoglobin rendered using portable photometer Hemocue (Hb 201 system). Statistical analysis: Collected data was analyzed by Tukeys multiple posthoc procedures, ANOVA and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient method. Results: 56 percent of women had levels of Hb well below 12g / dL and 44 percent of women had levels of Hb that were common. Highest prevalence was observed among the anaemic women in the 21–30-year age group. Therefore, the peak reproductive community has been more affected. Conclusion: The undiagnosed cases can continue for decades along with low haemoglobin values, affecting oxygenation of the tissue. Thus, at the first clinic visit, specifically female (housewives) residents of the peripheral area, uneducated with ignorant attitude must be screened on a compulsory basis.