Validation of the Gazelle point-of-care device for hemoglobin variant analysis in a predominantly pediatric population: performance comparison with conventional electrophoresis

The study validated the Gazelle point-of-care device for detecting hemoglobin variants in children. The Gazelle device separates hemoglobin variants (A, F, S, and A2/CE) on a cellulose acetate membrane and enables rapid and low-cost screening testing. The research involved analysis of 46 clinical blood samples compared with the conventional Sebia Capillarys system. Results showed strong linearity for hemoglobin A (R2 ≥ 0.95) and high correlation (R2 > 0.95) for hemoglobins A, F, and S. The Gazelle device has potential for sickle cell disease screening in children, particularly in resource-limited settings. Conventional hemoglobin electrophoresis is often unavailable in poor regions where sickle cell disease is most prevalent.