Performance evaluation of the PENTRA 60C+ automated hematology analyzer and comparison with the ADVIA 2120

The PENTRA 60C(+) hematology analyzer provides a complete blood cell (CBC) count, including a five-part differential (5-DIFF) count and two leukocyte subpopulations, i.e. large immature cells (LIC's) and atypical lymphocytes (ALY's). We evaluated its analytical performance and assessed agreement with the ADVIA 2120, in order to install the analyzer in a small satellite hematology laboratory. First we assessed repeatability, reproducibility and carry-over to evaluate the analytical performance. Then we used Pearson correlation coefficients, Passing and Bablok regression analysis and a graphical approach (n = 209) to evaluate agreement with the ADVIA 2120. Repeatability and reproducibility were excellent for the majority of CBC and 5-DIFF count parameters. Carry-over was negligible. Our data showed very good correlation for most CBC count parameters. Lower correlation coefficients were observed for red cell distribution width, mean corpuscular volume and mean platelet volume. As compared to the ADVIA 2120, the 5-DIFF count performed very well. Agreement was poorer for low-level eosinophils and basophils. Furthermore, the PENTRA 60C(+) was equally able to identify pathological blood samples through the determination of LIC's and ALY's. Therefore, the PENTRA 60C(+) is an eligible blood cell counter to be operational in a satellite laboratory setting.