Volume, conductance, and scatter parameters of neoplastic and nonneoplastic lymphocytes using Coulter LH780

Automated hematology analyzers yield a complete hematological profile including a complete blood count and a differential white blood cell count. The differential count is based on analyses of three parameters, namely, volume, conductance, and scatter (VCS). We aimed to evaluate the VCS parameters, histograms, and scatterplots of neoplastic and nonneoplastic lymphocytes.

Patients were grouped into four categories, namely, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic systemic disorders, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and acute viral disease. Lymphocytes from all four groups were compared with lymphocytes from normal participants.

The histogram for acute viral disease showed a trough at T1, which was slightly obliterated, and the F1 curve mildly extended to the right. The T1 for ALL was replaced with a peak at >40% of the preset limit. The F1 peak was shifted to left for CLL. The scatterplot for viral disease showed lymphocytes extending to the variant lymphocyte window. The lymphocytes of ALL extended to the blast window, with both increase in volume and mild increase in scatter. The lymphocytes in CLL were smaller and located below the normal lymphocyte region. Mean lymphocyte volume was significantly increased in ALL and was significantly decreased in CLL. Mean lymphocyte conductance was significantly increased in CLL and significantly decreased in both acute viral disease and ALL. Mean lymphocyte scatter was significantly decreased in acute viral disease and significantly increased in ALL.