Use of point-of-care haemoglobin tests to diagnose childhood anaemia in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Anaemia is a major cause of mortality and transfusion in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); however, current diagnostics are slow, costly and frequently unavailable. Point-of-care haemoglobin tests (POC(Hb)Ts) could improve patient outcomes and use of resources by providing rapid and affordable results. We systematically reviewed the literature to investigate what, where and how POC(Hb)Ts are being used by health facilities in LMICs to diagnose childhood anaemia, and to explore challenges to their use.

Methods

We searched a total of nine databases and trial registries up to 10 June 2022 using the concepts: anaemia, POC(Hb)T, LMIC and clinical setting. Adults ≥21 years and literature published >15 years ago were excluded. A single reviewer conduc

SUBMITTER: Brehm R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7615606 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature