Prototype Demo

Palm & Nail Anemia Screening

Human-centered Project Description

Anemia is one of the most common but often under-diagnosed health conditions worldwide. Many people don’t realize they have low hemoglobin levels until symptoms become severe, especially in regions where access to frequent blood testing is limited.

The purpose of this project is to explore whether simple images of the palm and fingernails can help assist with early anemia screening. These parts of the body naturally show subtle signs of changes in blood oxygenation and circulation, for example, paler nail beds or inner palms.

Project Intent

This system is designed with the goal of making screening tools more accessible, especially in community or rural healthcare settings. It can quickly analyze a photo and provide an initial indication of whether a person might need further medical testing for anemia. The intent is not to replace laboratory testing, but to:

  • Encourage people to seek medical care earlier
  • Help community health workers prioritize who needs testing
  • Reduce missed or delayed diagnoses in underserved areas

The model behind this demo was trained using public medical research datasets, respecting privacy and ethical use of health data. The output is a simple, easy-to-understand suggestion like:

“Signs could indicate possible anemia! please consult a healthcare professional for a full evaluation.”

This balanced approach ensures that the system remains a supportive decision aid, not a diagnostic tool.

Clinical Responsibility

  • The system encourages follow-up testing (not self-diagnosis)
  • It supports clinicians, rather than replacing them
  • It raises awareness without causing alarm
  • All results must be reviewed in a medical context

Our Goal

Make early detection easier, faster, and more accessible — so more people can receive the care they need at the right time.

This project is a prototype, but it demonstrates how combining vision AI technology with affordable, everyday devices could help expand access to early screening, while keeping patient safety and ethical standards at the center.