We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Peripheral Blood Smears Still Need Evaluation

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 22 Jun 2017
Print article
Image: A white blood cell among red blood cells (Photo courtesy of HealthTap).
Image: A white blood cell among red blood cells (Photo courtesy of HealthTap).
When the first automated hematology analyzers appeared in clinical laboratories in the 1960s, they ushered in a welcomed workflow change for bench technologists. These automated analyzers replaced hemocytometers, though the need for differential counting remained.

This evolution in hematology workflows has continued to this day, with automated instruments performing ever more cellular analysis, resulting in more focused roles for technologists and pathologists. However, certain characteristics of peripheral blood morphology still do not lend themselves easily to evaluation by automated analyzers.

A clinical associate professor at the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL, USA) has written that one limitation that has remained constant from the earliest hematology analyzers to today’s cutting-edge flow cytometers is that a single cell still must pass through an aperture for analysis. In order to maintain laminar flow, the cell must also be sphered, which is most often accomplished with a proprietary sphering reagent. The exact classification of abnormally shaped red cells, for example, sickle cells, target cells, and schistocytes, still requires morphologic review of stained slides.

In addition red cell and white cell inclusions, particularly infectious organisms such as malaria or histoplasmosis, can be seen in stained blood smears but are not routinely detected by most automated hematology analyzers. Because of the extensive morphologic variability of many circulating hematologic malignancies, automated systems cannot precisely characterize these cells. Most analyzers, however, aid in characterizing these cells by pre-classifying them as abnormal (through large unstained cell classification or flagging) and prompting manual review of slides.

Analyzers that have digital morphology capabilities, such as the CellaVision or the Bloodhound systems, are inaugurating a new era of cellular analysis. As these instruments’ algorithms continue to be refined, this technology might evolve from a pre-classifier method to a more enhanced and robust method for precise characterization. The accuracy of an automated differential count depends on the analytical system used. However, given that most automated counters literally characterize thousands of white cells for each analysis, the classic 100-cell manual differential count in comparison falls short when it comes to precision. Sherri D. Flax, MD, published her article on June 1, 2017, in the journal Clinical Laboratory News.

Related Links:
University of Florida

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
Gold Member
Xylazine Immunoassay Test
Xylazine ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.