Researchers at Sechenov University, operating under the Ministry of Health of Russia, have developed a noninvasive method to estimate the body’s total blood hemoglobin content using palm transillumination. This approach aims to provide an instant read of overall hemoglobin levels without drawing blood, a concept discussed with representatives of Sechenov at the First Moscow State Medical University. The implication is clear: rapid, blood-free hemoglobin assessment could complement traditional tests and broaden monitoring options (Sechenov University, 2024).
Hemoglobin testing is a staple in diagnosing anemia and a range of other health conditions. Both low and high hemoglobin levels can signal health issues, so most medical evaluations include this measurement. Conventional testing relies on a venous blood sample collected by a trained professional, and the process typically captures a single moment in time rather than ongoing, continuous monitoring (Sechenov University, 2024).
In search of a cheaper, noninvasive alternative, scientists have proposed a technique that analyzes how light travels through large hand veins. The approach leverages near-infrared light, which interacts differently with oxygenated and deoxygenated forms of hemoglobin. By detecting absorption patterns as light passes through tissue, researchers can differentiate blood vessels from surrounding structures and infer total hemoglobin content without drawing blood (Sechenov University, 2024).
In describing the study, Boris Yakimov, senior researcher at the Clinical Biophotonics Laboratory of Sechenov University and a member of the clinical department at City Clinical Hospital No. 67, explained that experimental and modeling data on light propagation through tissues were used to estimate hemoglobin levels. The researchers accounted for several physiological factors, including blood vessel depth, tissue scattering, melanin content in the skin, and the blood volume fraction in the dermis. This nuanced modeling helps calibrate the infrared measurements and reduces error in hemoglobin estimation (Sechenov University, 2024).
Initial testing involved nine volunteers who were assessed in the emergency department of City Clinical Hospital No. 67. Measurements were taken 10 to 15 minutes after venous blood was drawn for comparison. The reported error in the noninvasive estimates reached up to 17 g/L, a promising result given the noninvasive nature of the method. The researchers note that future improvements could come from analyzing optical indicators across adjacent tissue regions to better account for local variability and improve accuracy (Sechenov University, 2024).
The development represents a meaningful step toward easier, more accessible hemoglobin monitoring. If refined, palm transillumination could be used for quick screening in settings where drawing blood is impractical or less desirable, such as in point-of-care scenarios, home health, or large-scale public health screening programs. The team emphasizes that while the current results are encouraging, broader studies are needed to validate accuracy across diverse populations and clinical conditions. Continued work will aim to optimize the optical model, expand participant cohorts, and explore practical deployment considerations in clinical workflows (Sechenov University, 2024).
Overall, the palm transillumination approach highlights a broader trend in medical diagnostics: moving from static, single-point measurements to noninvasive, rapid assessments that can support ongoing health monitoring. As researchers refine the technology and confirm its reliability, it could become part of a complementary toolkit alongside traditional blood tests, offering an additional layer of information for clinicians and patients alike. The potential to track hemoglobin trends over time without repeated blood draws could improve patient comfort and compliance, while still informing critical clinical decisions (Sechenov University, 2024).