DR.SUPRIYA PHADKE

Dr. PARIKSHIT GOGATE

Abstract

A non-invasive instrument, ToucHb, estimated the haemoglobin by taking an image of the exposed conjunctiva. 1511 municipal school girls aged 10-19 years (Mean, 12.9, SD 1.64) were examined. 949/1511 (62.8%) had haemoglobin of <9mg%. Each of the girls were distributed a packet of 60 tablets of ferrous & folate and a tablet of albendazole. They were followed up after 3 months. Another 588 girls (average age 14.4 years, std dev 1.2)had their eyes examined, and haemoglobin estimated, during a house to house eye-screening. 116/588 (19.7%) had haemoglobin level of <9mg%. Their pre Hb was 7.9 (std dev 1.05) on average and after 3 months it was 9.6 (std dev 1.02).