AnemoCheck Mobile 4+

So I found this app from an ad on Facebook and thought ‘What the heck might as well give it a try.’ I just got done donating as I type this. I tested myself right in front of the guy and not 2 minutes later was doing the actual hemoglobin check with their machine. The app showed a 14.5 and their test came back with 13.7. I was impressed and the guy was shocked as all get out. I was expecting a difference of two mnumbers but it being that close was amazing. Definitely will keep and continue tracking.

As the developers have stated there’s room for improvement with this app, and I’m excited for a day when it does provide reliable results. For a healthy individual, this is a great option to give you an idea. Unfortunately, for those that actually need this, it’s not reliable yet. I have faith that maybe someday it will be though!

As a mom of a kiddo with hemolytic anemia, conditions with the same symptoms, on top of delicate and difficult veins; this would be an absolute game changer. We’re only a month into this nightmare, and truthfully I haven’t really known when it was time to take her in since the first time she was hospitalized. That was only because she was ghost white with a yellow tinge and couldn’t keep anything down. Four transfusions and two hospitalizations later, I’m constantly second guessing myself. Is it her POTS, autonomic dysfunction, or is she hemolyzing again?? This poor kid is a tough poke, her veins go flat or blow extremely easily; so her poor arms are covered in bruises from draws and IV’s.

When we tried the app we had decent natural lighting, her first reading was 11.3 the second a few minutes later was 14.5. When I tried myself it said 10.3, which I know from recent bloodwork is no where close to accurate (not even the +\- 2.4 points). I’m hopeful that development and research continues because this would be so amazing for IMHA and anemia patients in general.

I love the fact somebody cared enough to offer such an easy way to check hemoglobin. For those of us who are anemic, constant blood draws and highs and lows are a part of life. I love the idea of it. That it’s offered for free is wonderful, but it’s not quite ready.

I had this app for a few days before I was due to have a blood draw so I started testing daily. My first few tests said 14.4. Give or take a few points. 14.2 etc. Then 13. Next day 12.

With anemia those two points are very important. They make a huge difference. Difference between 6 and 8 can be life and death even.

This is what I’ve discovered. Your test will be most accurate if you snap the pic outside or very close to a sunny window that is NOT in direct sun. Just bright natural light, but not full force sun.

These tests I got 12.2. My hemoglobin via blood was 12.2. I did get a few that said 13.3 but not many. Most were very close. So that’s your best bet.

I think once this app matures its going to be invaluable, just not quite ready yet. Still mad respect to the creators. I hope they continue to invest in it. But if you are severely anemic don’t rely on this.