Anemia is a common health condition that affects over 2 billion people globally, with an estimated 83 million Americans at high risk. However, a groundbreaking new app is revolutionizing anemia screening by providing a reliable and accessible solution directly to consumers.
A recent study, co-authored by Dr. L. Andrew Lyon, a professor at Chapman University and the founding dean of the Fowler School of Engineering, introduces a smartphone app that utilizes artificial intelligence and a photo of the user’s fingernail to detect anemia. Published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study showcases how this innovative app can deliver hemoglobin estimates that are on par with traditional lab testing.
With over 1.4 million tests conducted by more than 200,000 users, the app offers a scalable and cost-effective solution that expands access to anemia screening, particularly in underserved and remote communities. By empowering users with immediate access to reliable screening, the app enables real-time health monitoring and early intervention, allowing individuals to make informed decisions without the need to wait for lab results.
While the app is not intended for self-diagnosis, it serves as a valuable tool for individuals with chronic anemia, such as those with kidney disease or cancer, who require frequent monitoring. Personalized use of the app among these patients has shown a significant improvement in accuracy, leading to enhanced at-home management and safer healthcare practices. Additionally, the app’s geolocation data has enabled the creation of the first county-level anemia prevalence map in the United States.
The study highlights that personalized app usage for chronic anemia patients resulted in a remarkable increase in accuracy, with hemoglobin estimates showing a mean absolute error reduction. Dr. Lyon emphasized the significance of this research, which has been in development for over eight years, in enhancing accessibility to healthcare and empowering patients through technological innovation.
For more information, the study “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 the DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2424677122. This research, conducted in collaboration with Chapman University, signifies a significant advancement in noninvasive health technology and showcases the potential for AI-driven solutions to improve healthcare accessibility and patient empowerment.
