Evaluation of the Honeywell ACS 1000

The Honeywell ACS 1000, an automated computerized scanning system, is evaluated against the recommended manual method for WBC differentials. Over 400,000 data points were gathered by both methods during an 11-month study, employing routine peripheral blood smears and critically characterized control preparations. These data were found to exhibit an effective increase in throughput, precision, comparable accuracy, and a reduction in operator fatigue. In addition, the instrument demonstrates application to the improvement of quality control, teaching, and continuing education.