Anemia is a prevalent health issue affecting over 2 billion people globally, with an estimated 83 million Americans at high risk. The development of a new smartphone app now offers a convenient and reliable solution for anemia screening directly to consumers.
A recent study, co-authored by Dr. L. Andrew Lyon, a professor at Chapman University and founding dean of the Fowler School of Engineering, introduces a groundbreaking advancement in noninvasive health technology. The study, published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showcases a smartphone app that utilizes artificial intelligence and a simple photo of a user’s fingernail to detect anemia.
The research demonstrates that this AI-powered app delivers hemoglobin estimates comparable to traditional lab testing, with over 1.4 million tests conducted by more than 200,000 users. This innovative app provides a scalable and cost-effective solution that expands access to anemia screening, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
By offering increased accessibility, the app empowers users to monitor their health in real-time and enables early intervention, allowing individuals to make informed decisions promptly without relying on lab results. While the app is not meant for self-diagnosis, it serves as a valuable tool for users to understand when to seek medical advice.
Individuals with chronic anemia, such as those with kidney disease or cancer, can benefit significantly from this app. The personalized use of the app in these patients has shown an improvement in accuracy by nearly 50%, facilitating safer and more manageable at-home monitoring. Additionally, the app’s geolocation data enabled the creation of the first county-level anemia prevalence map in the United States.
The personalized app usage for chronic anemia patients resulted in enhanced accuracy levels, with hemoglobin estimates showing a mean absolute error reduction from ±1.36 to ±0.74 g/dL. The app’s accuracy further improved to ±0.50 g/dL in users with hemoglobin levels exceeding 10 g/dL.
Dr. Lyon expressed, “This research, spanning over eight years, signifies a significant stride in enhancing healthcare accessibility. It underscores the value of long-term collaboration and a dedication to empowering patients through technological innovation.”
For further details, the study titled “Real-world implementation of a noninvasive, AI-augmented, anemia-screening smartphone app and personalization for hemoglobin level self-monitoring” can be accessed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025) with DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2424677122.
This informative content was provided by Chapman University, a leading institution in research and education. For more information, visit their website at www.chapman.edu.
