Evaluation of the Hemocue portable hemoglobinometer after major joint arthroplasty

We evaluated the potential use of the Hemocue (Hemocue AB, Sweden) portable hemoglobinometer on the 1st postoperative evening after major joint arthroplasty. We compared hemoglobinometer values with conventional Coulter counter laboratory analysis in a population of 67 patients. The hemoglobinometer proved practical, economical, and accurate in general, although 2 outlying values were severe enough as potentially to influence clinical decision making. Potential causes and solutions are discussed.