Anaemia affects more than 2 billion people worldwide, including an estimated 83 million Americans at high risk. Now, a new app delivers reliable, accessible screening directly to consumers.

A new study co-authored by Chapman University professor and founding dean of the Fowler School of Engineering, Dr. L. Andrew Lyon, unveils a major advancement in noninvasive health technology: a smartphone app that uses artificial intelligence and a photo of a user's fingernail to detect anaemia.

Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study demonstrates that this noninvasive, AI-augmented app provides haemoglobin estimates that rival traditional lab testing. With over 1.4 million tests performed by more than 200,000 users, the app represents a scalable, low-cost solution that broadens access to anaemia screening, especially in underserved and remote communities.

With increased access, this app brings reliable screening directly into the hands of consumers, enabling real-time health monitoring and earlier intervention, empowering users to make informed decisions without waiting for lab results. While not intended for self-diagnosis, the app helps users understand when to consult a health care provider.

The app is particularly valuable for those with chronic anaemia, such as people with kidney disease or cancer, who often require frequent monitoring. The study showed that personalised app use in these patients improved accuracy by nearly 50%, enabling safer, easier at-home management. In addition, geolocation data enabled the first county-level anaemia prevalence map in the U.S.

Specifically, app personalisation for chronic anaemia patients improved accuracy (from ±1.36 to ±0.74 g/dL). Haemoglobin (Hgb) estimates showed a mean absolute error of ±0.72 g/dL, improving to ±0.50 g/dL in users with Hgb >10 g/dL.

"This research, more than eight years in the making, represents a meaningful step toward improving accessibility in health care," said Dr. Lyon. "It's a testament to long-term collaboration and a commitment to empowering patients through innovation."