Masimo has received European and Japanese regulatory approvals to introduce the rainbow DCI-mini non-invasive hemoglobin (SpHb) sensor. Intended for infants and small kids weighing 3 to 30 kg (6.6 lbs to 66 lbs), the sensor connects to Masimo’s Pronto monitor that displays the readings. Finger sensors for hemoglobin have only been available for patients 10 kg (22 lbs) and larger, making catching anemia difficult in small kids without the drama of drawing blood.

The DCI-mini is clipped onto to a child’s finger, or a toe on smaller kids, and provides spot-check readings at any time. Masimo hopes that the new device will have the most benefit in developing countries where anemia is an all too common condition.

From the announcement:

“The conventional process of drawing blood is a traumatic event, especially for younger patients, not to mention the cost,” said Dr. Mohammed Bailony, an M.D. in paediatrics, who practices paediatric haematology-oncology at several hospitals in San Diego, including Scripps Mercy Hospital and Rady Children’s Hospital. Dr. Bailony has screened patients for anaemia in developing nations and has used the rainbow® DCI-mini in clinical trials.

“SpHb assessment with the DCI-mini definitely will have a big role in developing nations, where laboratories are often not available,” Dr. Bailony said. “In small cities, rural areas, and for mobile clinics, this will be a tremendous help in assessing patients. It’s fast. It’s friendly. And unlike needles, I haven’t seen a kid who’s scared of it.”

“The DCI-mini allows clinicians and public health programmes around the world to expand haemoglobin assessment to vulnerable populations that need a noninvasive and convenient method,” said Masimo founder and CEO Joe Kiani. “Every 90 seconds a women dies from complications due to pregnancy and many of them due to anaemia. In addition children under 5 years old who suffer from anaemia do not develop fully, which has long term implications to the lives of those afflicted, as well as society in general. We hope that the new rainbow DCI-mini will help more infants and small children, along with their moms, around the globe to receive timely assessment and treatment, which will benefit their long-term health, as well as the health of our society.”

source:Masimo