Hemoglobin

The validation reports for this parameter is available on request:

HEMOGLOBIN

Hemoglobin (Hb) molecules are a set of closely related proteins. Each Hb protein contains four iron atoms, allowing it to carry four molecules of oxygen (O2). Hb attaches to red blood cells and delivers oxygen throughout the body via blood flow. The primary function of Hb in mammals is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the organs and tissues. Additionally, it interacts with three other gases—carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitric oxide (NO) - that have important biological roles. Hb also helps red blood cells maintain their disc-like shape, facilitating their movement through blood vessels.

Hb levels are typically assessed through a Hb blood test. A low Hb level in the blood indicates a low oxygen level, which can lead to anemia. Patients with anemia often present with vague symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, and tiredness. Severe anemia may cause syncope, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise tolerance. Hb is usually measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL) of blood. Normal Hb levels are generally 13-18 g/dL in males and 12-15 g/dL in nonpregnant females.

To evaluate Hb levels, an invasive blood test is traditionally required. Replacing this method with a non-invasive, cost-effective, and remote technique would be highly advantageous for availability, affordability, and usability. Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive, simple, and low-cost tool that reflects blood flow and blood volume changes in blood vessels. The PPG waveform consists of a pulsatile ('AC') physiological waveform attributed to blood volume changes with each heartbeat, superimposed on a slowly varying ('DC') baseline with various lower frequency components attributed to respiration, sympathetic nervous system activity, and thermoregulation.

PPG technology has been used in a wide range of commercially available medical devices to measure blood pressure, oxygen saturation, cardiac output, and to assess autonomic function. Hb can also be evaluated using PPG technology. The FDA has approved such a device for Hb measurement within a range of 8-17 g/dL with a measurement error of ±1 g/dL. Camera-based approaches enable the derivation of remote PPG (rPPG) signals, potentially allowing for remote and non-invasive measurement of blood parameters. Our Hb algorithm uses the rPPG signal recorded from facial skin tissue. The algorithm extracts face video images, produces an rPPG signal, analyzes the data using AI, and provides the end user with a real-time Hb measurement