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A method for determination of hematocrit using the mobile app “HaemoCalc”: Validity, reliability, and effect of user expertise

D. Hayes, Lawrence; E. M. Sanal‐Hayes, Nilihan; Ellam, Maryam; Mclaughlin, Marie; G. Swainson, Michelle; F. Sculthorpe, Nicholas

A method for determination of hematocrit using the mobile app “HaemoCalc”: Validity, reliability, and effect of user expertise Thumbnail


Authors

Lawrence D. Hayes

Maryam Ellam

Marie Mclaughlin

Michelle G. Swainson

Nicholas F. Sculthorpe



Abstract

We evaluated validity, reliability, and effect of user expertise of “HaemoCalc”, a mobile phone application for hematocrit (Hct) measurement from fingerpick blood samples, compared to a traditional Hawksley microhaematocrit reader (MHR). Experiment 1 examined the effect pitch angle during image capture exerted on the validity of Hct values. Twenty participants' samples were analyzed at 0°, 10°, and 20° directly over the sample, and 33° with a 10 cm setback. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant effect of angle on Hct values (p < 0.01). Measurements at 33° pitch differed from other angles and the MHR (p < 0.001, d = 2.31–3.06). Bland–Altman analysis showed good agreement at 0°, 10°, and 20° (mean differences: −0.4% to 1.0%) but poor agreement at 33° (mean difference: −4.4%, LOA: −0.7% to 8.4%). Experiment 2 assessed inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of expert and novice users (n = 12). Participants performed three trials each. HaemoCalc and MHR showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.95–1.00). No differences were observed between experts and novices (p = 1.000, d = 0.01–0.39). HaemoCalc is a valid and reliable tool for Hct measurement at small pitch angles and in expert and novice users. The HaemoCalc app offers scalability, repeatability, health and safety benefits, and potential applications in medical education and remote learning.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 28, 2025
Online Publication Date Apr 15, 2025
Publication Date 2025-04
Deposit Date Apr 25, 2025
Publicly Available Date Apr 25, 2025
Journal Physiological Reports
Electronic ISSN 2051-817X
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 13
Issue 8
Article Number e70314
DOI https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.70314
Keywords hematocrit, software validation, limits of detection, medical education, mobile app, red blood cells