Anemia Phone

Context:The AnemiaPhone technology, developed by Cornell University, has been transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to aid in the rapid detection of anaemia across India. Here's an overview of the device and its significance:

AnemiaPhone Overview:

• Purpose: A portable device designed for the rapid screening and diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia, a condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells or haemoglobin.
• Functionality:
• The device uses a small blood sample from a finger stick, which is applied to a test strip.
• The results are then analyzed by the device and uploaded to a clinical database via mobile devices, such as smartphones.

Key Features:

• Accessibility:
• Enables rapid, on-site screening without the need for expensive or extensive laboratory infrastructure.
• Affordability:
• It offers a cost-effective solution for widespread anaemia screening, making it especially suitable for resource-limited settings.

• Ease of Use:
• Requires minimal training for healthcare workers, enabling easier deployment in various settings.
• Working Process:
• A single drop of blood from a finger stick is needed for the test.
• Results are available in just a few minutes.
• Data transmission: Results are transmitted via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to a clinical database for further analysis.
• Portability: The device is designed for use in diverse environments like homes, clinics, or during door-to-door healthcare surveys.

Significance for India:

• Anaemia Prevalence in India:
• Anaemia affects a significant portion of the population, particularly 50%-70% of pregnant women in India.
• Impact on Health Programmes:
• The AnemiaPhone aligns with the Anaemia Mukt Bharat program, which aims to reduce anaemia rates in India.
• It will help provide accessible and affordable diagnostic tools, improving the screening process and early detection, especially for women and children who are most affected by anaemia.

By simplifying the testing process, reducing costs, and improving accessibility, AnemiaPhone has the potential to make a significant impact on anaemia prevention and treatment efforts in India.