Evaluation of the Technicon H-1 hematology analyser

The Technicon H-1 is a new, random-access hematology instrument performing a full blood count with leukocyte differential including eosinophils and basophils. Technical assessment showed good linearity and precision. Comparison with a Coulter S-PLUS (II) showed close correlation for all full blood count parameters except MPV and MCHC on 149 unselected hospital inpatients over a wide clinical range. No significant carry-over was detected in hemoglobin, red cell, white cell and platelet estimations. Differentials agreed closely with Technicon H6000 results for neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. Poorer correlation with 100-cell manual differentials for all cell types except neutrophils probably reflects the relative lack of precision in manual methods. Technological innovations on the H-1 include a laser-based optical system from which several new hematological parameters are derived. The contribution they make towards improved patient care awaits assessment.