Preliminary evaluation of a new flow cytometry method for the routine hematology workflow

Area of Science:

• Clinical laboratory science
• Hematology
• Flow cytometry

Background:

• Integrating hematology analyzers (HAs) and multiparametric flow cytometry (FMC) can enhance first-level screening for pathological samples.
• A novel hybrid method (HM) was developed by incorporating HA reagents into FMC for leukocyte differential counting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a preliminary evaluation of the new simple hybrid method (HM).
• To assess the utility of HM for routine clinical use and identification of morphological abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-one peripheral blood samples were analyzed using standard methods and the HM.
• Analysis involved XN-module, CyFlow Space System, monoclonal antibodies, and optical microscopy (OM).
• Within-run imprecision, carryover, and data comparison (Passing-Bablok, Bland-Altman) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• HM within-run imprecision was comparable or lower than OM, ranging from 1.4% (neutrophils) to 10.1% (monocytes).
• Passing-Bablok regression showed slopes between 0.83 (lymphocytes) and 1.14 (monocytes).
• 100% agreement was observed between HM and OM for 11 pathological samples.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid method provides a leukocyte differential count suitable for routine clinical use.
• HM aids in identifying morphological abnormalities, reducing costs, and improving hematology workflow screening.