So I’ve decided to write this post to create an awareness. I’ve done some google search and realised that this is not a commonly discussed topic.

A couple of dietary/health supplement (NHF, oat) companies in Malaysia have been practising a on the spot testing known as “LIVE BLOOD ANALYSIS (LBA)” during roadshows or in their business premises.

LBA is performed by collecting some finger prick blood on the spot and putting it on a glass slide, then viewed under microscopy. it claims to observe live blood cells and can be used to ‘diagnose’ a range of diseases. Most commonly describe anomaly is that the blood cells (red cells) are ‘clumping’ or ‘stacking’ when it should be decently spaced. These anomalies are claimed to be caused by several risk factors such as high cholesterol/abnormal liver function etc by such ‘health practitioners’. They will then promote their health/dietary supplements that can be used to improve/treat it, which are usually priced at an exorbidant figure.

LBA IS A PSEUDOSCIENTIFIC CLAIM AND FRAUDULENT MEDICAL TEST.

A proper blood smear should be spread in a correct method to ensure that the right field can be examined. By looking at a ‘thick’ field, it will show a pseudo clumping or stacking pattern. Also, blood are highly likely to clot (which shows clumping under microscope)without any anticoagulant. In lab practice, blood is typically collected but in tubes with additives to prevent clotting, then a blood film can be correctly prepared.

Businesses who practice this is completely unethical and an absolute disgrace. My mom and a friend had previously fallen for it and caused unnecessary worry with two companies. I myself have witness live and called out a business in Sunway Pyramid on the spot. However, the people who are working there, ironically had no idea what I was talking about when I was querying their medical claims and medical qualifications. I have officially filed a complaint with the management.

Please let your family member be aware of this, especially elderly. It is ok to promote your products, but not in such a disgusting method in triggering fear and worry from people who have no medical knowledge.

I am a qualified practicing Haematology Medical Scientist in Australia.

Below is an image taken by my mom when she was approached by NHF - claiming that red cells are clumping when it is incorrectly prepared.

https://pictr.com/images/2020/07/29/7UaHig.md.jpg