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Initial performance evaluation of the UniCel® DxH slide maker/stainer Coulter® cellular analysis system
W Brown1, M Keeney, B D Hedley
1Special Hematology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada.
International Journal of Laboratory Hematology
|September 14, 2013
Summary
The automatic slide maker/stainer (DxH-SMS) produces high-quality peripheral blood films (PBF) comparable to manual methods. This automation improves laboratory standardization and efficiency for PBF evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Laboratory Medicine
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Peripheral blood film (PBF) evaluation remains crucial in hematology laboratories despite technological advancements.
- High-quality, well-prepared, and stained PBF are essential for accurate diagnostic interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of an automated slide maker/stainer (DxH-SMS) for PBF preparation.
- To assess the consistency, reproducibility, and quality of automated PBF compared to manual methods.
Main Methods:
- 124 normal and abnormal samples were used to compare the DxH-SMS with manually prepared blood films.
- Key parameters assessed included specimen carryover, white blood cell distribution repeatability, and morphology comparability.
- Evaluation followed CLSI document H20-A2 acceptance criteria.
Main Results:
- The DxH-SMS demonstrated no specimen carryover and repeatable white blood cell distribution within acceptable limits.
- Excellent agreement was observed for the 5-part differential and red cell morphology between automated and manual PBF.
- No significant differences were found in the identification or enumeration of blasts, variant lymphocytes, or nucleated red blood cells.
Conclusions:
- Automated PBF prepared by the DxH-SMS are of excellent, reproducible quality and comparable to manual methods.
- The implementation of the DxH-SMS has led to improved and standardized slide quality in the laboratory.
