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Automated differential white cell counts: a critical appraisal
Bailliere'S Clinical Haematology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Automating the differential leukocyte count (DLC) is crucial for efficiency and accuracy in hematology labs. Flow cytochemistry offers a viable, established automated solution, unlike earlier digital imaging systems.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Laboratory Automation
- Medical Technology
Background:
- The differential leukocyte count (DLC) is a significant workload in routine hematology.
- Traditional manual DLC is labor-intensive and imprecise due to small cell counts.
- Automation is needed for economic and clinical benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution and current state of automated differential leukocyte counting.
- To compare different automation technologies for DLC.
Main Methods:
- Review of digital image processing and flow cytochemistry for automated DLC.
- Analysis of the limitations of digital imaging systems.
- Discussion of the established clinical utility of flow-cytochemical analyzers.
Main Results:
- Digital image processing systems for DLC were slow and offered limited automation, failing to improve workflow or statistics.
- Flow-cytochemical analyzers have been commercially available for 15 years with established clinical utility.
- New automated DLC analyzers using flow cytometry have been announced but not yet evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytochemistry is the primary successful technology for automated DLC.
- Existing automated systems offer screening DLCs, with performance dependent on the operating environment.
- Further evaluation of new automated DLC technologies is pending.