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Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Testing Analyzer for Measuring Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Published on: March 22, 2022
Discriminant value of automated leucocyte VCS parameters in the detection of tropical infections
Shruthi Muthunatarajan1, Sridevi Hanaganahalli Basavaiah2,3, Suchitra M Shenoy3,4
1Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Introduction:
In India, infectious diseases are a leading treatable cause of morbidity and mortality. Mangalore being endemic to many vector-borne diseases, their incidence is known to show seasonal variations with sharp increase during monsoon. Leucocytes have substantial role in the immunological pathogenesis of infections.
Methods:
The present series was a hospital-based cross-sectional study performed in a tertiary care hospital for a period of three months from June-August wherein the cell population data of cases of malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid and rickettsial infections along with equal number of healthy controls were collected and analysed. Effectiveness of leucocyte-related volume (V), conductivity (C) and scatter (S) parameters by Coulter®DXH800 haematology analyser in predicting these infections was appraised.
Results:
A total of 324 cases comprising of malaria (50%), dengue (30.9%), leptospirosis (13.9%), typhoid (4.0%) and rickettsial infections (1.2%) were included. There was statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the mean values of complete blood count parameters-haemoglobin, total leucocyte count, red blood cell count, haematocrit, red cell distribution width, differential leucocyte count, platelet count and plateletcrit between cases and controls and also between specific infections. The mean volumes of neutrophil, monocyte and lymphocyte were considerably increased in malaria and dengue fever compared to leptospirosis, typhoid and rickettsial infections. VCS parameters were the least altered in typhoid fever, except for a strikingly high conductivity and scatter of eosinophils.
Conclusions:
Haematological analysis is a part of routine evaluation of any case of febrile illness. This study showed that there are specific alterations in VCS parameters in different types of infections such as malaria, dengue, leptospira, typhoid and rickettsia, the information and analysis of which comes without any additional cost.
Insights
Hematological analysis reveals distinct leucocyte volume, conductivity, and scatter (VCS) parameter alterations in common Indian infectious diseases like malaria and dengue. These cost-free findings aid in differentiating infections without additional expense.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Infectious diseases are a major cause of illness and death in India, with vector-borne diseases peaking during monsoon seasons.
- Leukocytes play a critical role in the immune response to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of leucocyte-related volume (V), conductivity (C), and scatter (S) parameters in predicting infectious diseases.
- To identify specific hematological alterations associated with malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid, and rickettsial infections.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over three months (June-August).
- Cell population data from 324 patients with specific infections and healthy controls were collected using a Coulter® DXH800 hematology analyzer.
- Leukocyte volume, conductivity, and scatter (VCS) parameters were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in complete blood count and differential leukocyte counts were observed between patients and controls, and among specific infections (P < 0.05).
- Increased mean neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte volumes were noted in malaria and dengue compared to other infections.
- Typhoid fever showed minimal alteration in VCS parameters, except for high eosinophil conductivity and scatter.
Conclusions:
- Hematological analysis, including VCS parameters, is a valuable and cost-effective tool for evaluating febrile illnesses.
- Specific alterations in VCS parameters can help differentiate between various infections such as malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid, and rickettsia.
