There’s an interesting development in how we might check for anemia—using nail polish?
Researchers from Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology have created a smartphone app. This app screens for anemia by analyzing images of human nail beds, eliminating the need for the usual blood tests.
With more than 2 billion people affected worldwide, anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, making it hard to transport oxygen to tissues.
The shade of the nail bed can indicate hemoglobin levels; pale nail beds usually signal lower levels of hemoglobin, which is important for oxygen transport in the blood.
This new app employs an AI-driven algorithm that has been tested with over 9,000 users. It compares the photos of nails, or “nail selfies,” with results from clinical blood tests.
In just a few seconds after submitting a nail photo, the app estimates hemoglobin levels with surprising accuracy.
When the app used a hemoglobin threshold of 12.5 g/dL, it achieved 89% sensitivity and 93% specificity—similar to traditional screening methods.
For those who deal with chronic anemia, the app includes a feature that allows users to adjust the estimates based on their own previous lab results. After this personalization, its accuracy became comparable to FDA-approved medical devices for non-invasive hemoglobin measurement.
The study’s findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Currently licensed to Sanguina, this technology has been available for public download and has already been utilized over 1.4 million times across the U.S.
In contrast to standard anemia testing, which involves blood samples and lab access—often complicated by insurance issues—this app offers a more accessible alternative.
The creators hope it can significantly help individuals with chronic conditions like kidney disease, cancer, or those with nutritional deficiencies needing regular hemoglobin checks.
Symptoms of anemia can vary widely, including fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and even cravings for non-nutritive substances like ice or clay.
The app also sheds light on geographic and demographic patterns of anemia. Interestingly, data shows that Android users, who generally spend less on their devices compared to iPhone users, exhibited lower hemoglobin levels. This suggests a potential income-related correlation.
Analysis indicates that more app users are found in areas with higher median incomes and larger populations, as well as a higher number of primary care physicians.
Researchers stressed that while the app is a valuable tool for screening, it’s not meant to replace traditional medical care. This is especially significant for individuals with chronic anemia or those in underserved regions.
Given that iron deficiencies can weaken the immune system and hinder the body’s ability to fend off illness, the importance of screening has become even more apparent. Moreover, studies have shown that anemia is present in a substantial percentage of colorectal cancer patients.
