WHO Hemoglobin Color Scale for the Estimation of Hemoglobin

This method conceived and formulated by Stott and Lewis in 1995. This method is much similar in principle to the now outdated Tallqvist method. Positive technical changes have been made to improve the validity, accuracy and reliability. This method is simple, swift, reliable and inexpensive. This method is reliable and trustworthy within 1 gram/dl for diagnosis of anemia. The World Health Organization (WHO) Hemoglobin Color Scale consists of a printed set of colors corresponding to the hemoglobin value from 4 to 14 grams/dl. On a strip of chromatography paper, a drop of blood is placed and then the developed color is matched visually against the printed color scale. Research has proven that performance is greater than 90% in detecting anemia and 86% in classifying the grade of anemia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed hemoglobin color scale after extensive and vast field trails. It is mainly planned for the detection, treatment and control of anemia in under-resourced countries. It is especially use for the screening of blood donors, for screening women and children in health scheme, examine iron therapy, selection-making concerning referral to a hospital, and as a point of care tool.