HEMATOLOGY ANALYZERS continued


The ADVIA 120 from Siemens is a benchtop instrument with a 150-capacity rack-based autosampler, allowing 75 min of walkaway operation.


Pentra DX Nexus SPS evolution from Horiba has an autoloader with continuous loading capabil- ity. The rack is compatible with most pre- and postanalytical systems.


If you require barcode tracking, check the qual- ity of the imaging technology. Coulter LH 780 analyzers (Figure 1) from Beckman Coulter (www.beckmancoulter.com) are capable of reading most barcode labels, even those with lower print quality.


Many manufacturers offer integrated slide- making and staining modules that can be added on to the instrument.


Check the system’s capability for flagging out- lying results. Automatic flagging and retesting minimize the requirement for manual review.


Reagent supply When choosing an instrument, check how


many reagents are required and the costs and safety requirements. Can they be purchased from any supplier, or only the manufacturer?


Erba’s (www.erbalachema.com/en/) ELite 3 measures 20 parameters with only three re- agents, which are environmentally friendly and cyanide free. Beckman Coulter’s DxH 800 and DxH 600 use only five reagents for all analyses, including NRBC and reticulocytes.


Ask how often the reagents need to be changed. The ADVIA 120 from Siemens carries enough onboard analytical and wash reagents for 1850 CBC/diff tests.


Sample size and microsampling Typical sample size requirements are on the


order of 150 μL of whole blood for multipa- rameter analysis. Many manufacturers offer microsampling, which is particularly helpful for pediatrics. The Horiba ABX Micros ES 60 uses 10 μL of whole blood for CBC plus WBC 3-diff.


Accuracy, precision, and linearity Ask to see the manufacturer’s data on accuracy,


precision, and linearity. The accuracy of volume measurements using impedance can be greater than 1% and depends on the width of the


aperture relative to the cell being measured. Some instruments use multiple-sized apertures to improve accuracy for different-sized cells. Temperature also affects accuracy. The Horiba Pentra 80 features a preheated analysis cham- ber to ensure consistent results.


Calibration, maintenance, and QC Consider how frequently the instrument must


be cleaned and recalibrated. Ask what QC fea- tures are included.


Idexx (www.idexx.com) includes qualiBeads® in its analyzers. qualiBeads are particles with specific characteristics that are used as an in- ternal standard to verify pipetting accuracy and laser performance.


The Horiba ABX Pentra manages reagent standardization, validation, and reruns and can also share rules between a central laboratory and satellite laboratories.


Open or closed tube sampling Closed tube sampling reduces the risk of expo-


sure to blood. Instruments with open or closed sampling options have different stability and calibration requirements depending on the mode of operation.


Results storage and analysis A major differentiator between analyzers is the


number of results that can be stored on the sys- tem. A small benchtop analyzer might typically save 1000 patient results with histograms. The Horiba ABX Pentra DX120 SPS will store 90,000 results plus graphics.


Many high-throughput machines will integrate with existing LIMS.


Table 1 – Hematology analyzer manufacturers Abbott Diagnostics Beckman Coulter Erba Diagnostics Horiba Idexx


Siemens Sysmex


Footprint Systems vary from small benchtop units to large


automated machines. The ABX Micros ES 60 from Horiba is a compact benchtop unit that delivers CBC + 3–diff. It has a touchscreen interface and can store 1000 patient results with histograms. It has a footprint of 16.9 in. × 14.2 in. × 14.2 in. and weighs only 30.9 lb.


The freestanding automated XN-9000 from Sysmex is scaleable. The 801 model is 26 ft long × 4 ft deep and can analyze 120 slides/hr and 900 CBCs/hr. If linear floor space is limited, a corner unit can be added.


Consider the ergonomics of operation and the quality of the display screen.


Analyzers for veterinary use Hematology analyzers are specific to the species


of blood to be analyzed. A dedicated machine or add-on is needed to measure the different characteristics of animal species.


For veterinary applications check the number of species. The ProCyte Dx analyzer from Idexx can process canine, feline, equine, bovine, ferret, rab- bit, gerbil, pig, guinea pig, and mini pig samples.


Coulter Ac·T Veterinary Applications Software from Beckman Coulter covers cats, dogs, and horses.


Manufacturers Table 1 lists a number of leading manufacturers


of hematology analyzers. For more information, please visit www.labcompare.com.


Katriona Scoffin, B.Sc., is a freelance science writer; e-mail: articles@scoffin.co.uk.


www.abbottdiagnostics.com www.beckmancoulter.com www.erbalachema.com/en www.horiba.com www.idexx.com


www.healthcare.siemens.com www.sysmex.com


AMERICAN LABORATORY • 28 • JUNE/JULY 2014


Lake Forest, IL Fullerton, CA Miami, FL Albany, NY


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