Evaluation of Hematocrit in Adults with Dengue by a Laboratory Information System

• Published in: Journal of Tropical Medicine
• Main Authors: Duangjai Sahassananda, Vipa Thanachartwet, Putza Chonsawat, Benjamaporn Wongphan, Supat Chamnanchanunt, Manoon Surabotsophon, Varunee Desakorn
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2021
• Subjects: Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8852031; https://doaj.org/article/2d10c7d7c442446d925b1987c2420a57

The implementation of a laboratory information system (LIS) at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Thailand provides valuable medical resources, particularly for dengue. Hematocrit (Hct), which is often derived from hemoglobin (Hgb), is important in the diagnosis and management of dengue. This study aimed to evaluate the Hct value obtained from the LIS automated analyzer. We prospectively enrolled 163 hospitalized adults with dengue, for whom 1,141 real-time complete blood count (CBC) results were obtained via a hematology analyzer and updated in the LIS database. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) duration of analytic turnaround times (TATs) was 40.0 (30.0–53.0) minutes. Linear regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between Hgb and Hct with a coefficient of determination (Pearson’s R2) of 0.92 at red blood cell distribution width (RDW) ≤18, but Pearson’s R2 decreased to 0.78 at RDW >18. The Hct calculated from the three-fold conversion method and from the analyzer had a Pearson’s R2 of 0.92. At Hgb <12 g/dl and ≥16 g/dl, a greater difference between the two Hct values was observed, with median (IQR) differences of −0.8% (−1.9%–0.2%) and 0.8% (−0.1%–1.7%), respectively (P value <0.05). In conclusion, the Hgb and Hct of patients with dengue were highly correlated at RDW ≤18. The Hct calculated from the three-fold conversion method and from the analyzer had an excellent relationship, except when the Hgb was <12 g/dl or ≥16 g/dl. Apart from routine CBC evaluation, the LIS could help for accurate data collection in clinical research and development.