WIC - Bloodwork

For policy and procedures regarding the hematologic assessment, please reference MOM Section 5.3.2.

On this page: Hematological Equipment | Placing HemoCue Orders

Related Information:
CLIA Certificate Requirements (PDF)
Hemoglobin Analyzers: Non-Invasive Measuring System (PDF)

Hematological Equipment

If your agency is considering using equipment other than HemoCue, please contact your State WIC Consultant.

Comparison of HemoCue Analyzers

HB 201 and 301 Comparison

• Price for microcuvettes is the same per test for both machines.
• Procedures for tests are essentially the same.
• Microcuvettes are not interchangeable - they are specific to the machine.
• The HB 301 analyzer test takes about 3 seconds versus 10-60 seconds for the HB 201.

If transitioning to the HB 301 analyzer:

• We suggest you convert all the machines in your agency to the new analyzer. If your agency uses both machines, you will need to stock two kinds of microcuvettes.

HB 801

• Do not purchase the HB 801 analyzer for WIC clinics.
• Is not appropriate for the WIC setting. It is intended for clinical settings where direct communication to an Electronic Medical Record system is necessary. MN WIC’s information system does not interface with hemoglobin testing equipment.
• Has a higher price for the machine and microcuvettes.
• Is more fragile and less durable than the HB 201 and HB 301 machines. It is not intended to be moved or transported from one location to another.

HemoCue Training

• Live remote trainings for the HB 201 and 301 are held regularly. To receive a schedule of available trainings, contact Alyssa Whitney at alyssa.whitney@hemocue.com.
• On-demand free recorded trainings are available through the HemoCue portal, OnCue. This requires creating an OnCue account at https://hemocueoncue.education/.
• For other training needs or HemoCue product questions, contact Alyssa Whitney at the email above.

Placing HemoCue Orders

When placing orders for analyzer machines or microcuvettes, please reference the MN WIC pricing found below.

Microcuvette Reminders

Be cautious when ordering to avoid ordering more microcuvettes than you’ll use before they expire.

• HB 201 microcuvettes that are packaged in vials expire 24 months from the date of manufacture unopened. Once the vial of 50 is opened they will expire in 90 days. This is due to the HB 201 microcuvette containing a reagent that degrades once exposed to air.
• Individually wrapped HB 201 microcuvettes come in boxes of 100 where each microcuvette is individually wrapped in a foil packet. These expire 15 months from date of manufacture (because they are in foil and thus unopened). The expiration date is marked on each microcuvette.
• HB 301 microcuvettes do not have reagents and therefore do not expire until the date printed on the vial (24 months from date of manufacture).
• Microcuvettes usually arrive to users with 18 to 22 months remaining prior to expiration.

Microcuvette and Analyzer Orders

• Contact the Minnesota WIC HemoCue Representative, Alyssa Whitney at alyssa.whitney@hemocue.com or 720-836-9223.
  • If Alyssa is unavailable, contact HemoCue Customer service at 1-800-323-1674 or customerservice@hemocue.com. Always ask customer service to connect you to the MN WIC representative to ensure pricing is accurate.
• Confirm the price. Minnesota WIC local agencies should not pay more than the prices listed below.
• HB 201 and 301 analyzers are allowable WIC expenses and can be submitted on your monthly claim form; however, no additional WIC funds will be provided to your agency if you decide to purchase new analyzers. HB 801 analyzers are not appropriate for the WIC setting.

Product Numbers and Current MN WIC Pricing

Questions?

Please contact Stephanie Olson with any questions at Stephanie.Olson@state.mn.us.