Non-invasive, safe and rapid detection of hemoglobin value at point-of-care

Portable and compact device mainly for use in emerging and developing economies

Named CES Innovation Award Honoree

Machine learning algorithms help determine hemoglobin levels

According to estimations by the WHO 1.6 billion people suffer from Anemia, a condition resulting from the reduced hemoglobin concentration in the blood. This has prompted the WHO to define the fight against anemia as one of its critical sustainable development goals for 2025. Bosch has developed a portable Hemoglobin Monitor Solution (HMS) especially for regions where routine access to medical care tends to be difficult. This HMS allows a large number of people to be screened for anemia rapidly, safely, using a non-invasive approach.

The solution has been named a CES Innovation Award Honoree in the “Health and Wellness” category. “Bosch has developed the non-invasive Hemoglobin monitor as an innovative solution and as an alternative to traditional methods for the early detection of anemia. This should offer people better diagnosis options even in resource constrained conditions. The use of artificial intelligence is revolutionizing anemia management, specifically in point-of-care setups and closer to the patient”, explains Dattatri Salagame, President and Managing Directorof Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Private Limited (RBEI).

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells and is responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. People with a low hemoglobin count may experience symptoms such as general fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and even serious illnesses. Anemia particularly affects women, even more so when they are pregnant, and also people suffering from malnutrition. In cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or in palliative care, hemoglobin levels should be checked regularly.

Hemoglobin results in 30 seconds using a non-invasive AI measurement

The intelligent solution by Bosch is designed for use directly at the point-of-care and is completely pain-free with no need for a blood test, as the value is determined by a finger scanner using multi-wavelength spectrophotometry on the surface of the skin.The system uses an optical sensor to precisely and reliably measure the photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals. Photoplethysmography, or PPG, is an optical technique used to detect volumetric changes in blood in peripheral circulation.

The device provides a reliable result within 30 seconds even for low hemoglobin concentrations.This is where machine learning comes in: the device’s algorithm monitors the wavelength of the light and uses 27 different characteristics to determine and classify the hemoglobin value.The algorithm has been trained with more than 10,000 anemia data points. These clinically collected data along with the corresponding ground truth data, are the basis for the machine learning algorithm. The more validated data sets are put into the continuously learning algorithm, the more precise the results will be.

Lab-free results without risk of infection

A laboratory analysis is not necessary and there is no risk of infection from contaminated needles. Participants receive their test results quickly at the point of care. The device is battery operated, does not need subsequent calibration, and is extremely easy to use. It is intended for use in outlying and remote regions by healthcare professionals. Location-based reporting ensures easy clinical traceability. Organizations that operate multiple devices can draw conclusions through heat maps about specific regions. Patient data remains anonymous. Market release in India is expected by mid-2021.

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Anemia is a critical health concern in India, affecting over 50% women. Usually hemoglobin less than 12 gm/dL is considered as anemia, and women, in particular, are at a higher risk for developing Anemia. Several reasons contribute to anemia: poor nutrition, worm infections, heavy and abnormal menstruation, and pregnancy where there is higher need for hemoglobin in the blood.

This is complicated by a considerable lack of awareness about anemia in India. There fore to address this issue at greater level, eminent Bollywood actress and author Twinkle Khanna inaugurated the Female Anemia Risk Indicator (FARI) on Iron Deficiency Day (26^th November 2020). FARI is a simple yet powerful online tool available on www.anemiafreeindia.com where women can answer a set of simple questions related to their dietary habits and lifestyle, and this tool will help them understand whether they could be at risk of developing anemia.

Female Anemia Risk Indicator has been intelligently designed keeping in mind the busy schedules of women and the need for an indicator that can be used anytime, anywhere. This tool will help women to know if they are at risk of anemia. They may need to visit a medical practitioner for further advice.

Twinkle Khanna, has also been actively involved in championing against anemia via the #more thanbara awareness campaign in collaboration with Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company. By participating in the #morethanbara jingle, Twinkle’s efforts in raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a hemoglobin level more than 12gm/dL in women have led to significant attention on social media.

As Twinkle Khanna rightly summarized, “Anemia in women is a significant health concern. Hence, Female Anemia Risk Indicator available on www.anemiafreeindia.com is a much-needed tool that women can easily use to know whether they are at risk of developing anemia, and eventually take the right steps to correct it.”

Emcure also collaborated with the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) for raising awareness about anemia. FOGSI has played a pivotal role in making informative and easy-to-understand content available on www.anemiafreeindia.com and has also offered expert guidance from the medical perspective. FOGSI President, Dr.Alpesh Gandhi, informs, “FOGSI is committed to women’s health and bringing into fruition the vision of anemia-free India. We value the partnership with Emcure and jointly started the #morethanbara initiative and their newly launched website- www.anemiafreeindia.com. Various FOGSI members have been contributing their views on anemia and advice periodically on this website. ”

Explaining the vision behind these initiatives, Executive Director of Emcure, Namita Thapar, goes on to say, “As a woman, I dream of a country where women can be in the best of health. Easily curable diseases like anemia should not stop women from dreaming big and putting their best foot forward. I hope this website empowers our women with the information and tools needed to combat anemia.”

Women’s health has always taken a backseat because of the different roles they play and the biggest responsibility of becoming a mother that only they can shoulder. Now, it is imperative for them to empower themselves with the right knowledge and take the right actions. So women, what are you waiting for? Log on to https://www.anemiafreeindia.com/now, check whether you are at risk for developing anemia, and take prompt corrective actions as needed. Let’s work towards making India anemia free!

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