Field evaluation of the NOVA Celltrak 12 hematology analyzer

An evaluation of the NOVA Celltrak 12 was performed over a 6-week period. Precision, linearity, carryover, and reproducibility of values compared favorably to manufacturers' claims. The correlation was performed using the Coulter S Plus VI as the reference instrument and yielded coefficients of correlation for measured parameters of greater than .98 with the exception of RDW at r = .84, MCV at r = 0.96, and MPV at r = .92. Three-part differential information and an expanded flagging system affords increased clinical information and trouble-shooting guides. The three-part differential information compared favorably with that of the Coulter S Plus VI with lymphocyte percentage r = .96, granulocyte percentage r = .94, and monocyte percentage r = .50. We conclude that this instrument performed well in a clinical setting.