Performance evaluation of the Sysmex haematology XN modular system

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology
• Laboratory Automation

Background:

• The Sysmex XN is an automated hematology instrument with reflex testing capabilities.
• It offers a smaller footprint and provides nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) counts on all samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of the Sysmex XN hematology instrument.
• To compare its accuracy, efficiency, and workflow with the Sysmex XE-2100 analyzer and manual methods.

Main Methods:

• Comparative evaluation of results against Sysmex XE-2100 and manual microscopy (n=390).
• Workflow study of 1000 samples to assess operational speed and blood film review rates.
• Analysis of new features including white cell/NRBC channel, white cell precursor channel, and low white cell count mode.

Main Results:

• The XN instrument significantly reduces false positive flags for blasts and abnormal lymphocytes.
• It demonstrates good correlation with manual differentials and improved accuracy for platelet counts, especially at low levels (R²=0.875 vs. 0.500 for XE-2100).
• Automated fluorescent platelet counts enhance precision for abnormal or low platelet samples.

Conclusions:

• The Sysmex XN analyzer reduces sample turnaround time by 10% and blood film reviews by 49%.
• It provides more precise and accurate results, particularly for low cell counts, without compromising sensitivity.
• The instrument enhances laboratory efficiency and diagnostic capabilities.