Developing Trends in Automation in Hematology
In this highly competitive world, each laboratory is doing its best to make sure that the results are of supreme quality. Assuring quality of test results depends on many factors, starting from pre-analytical to post-analytical variables. In analytical segment, advanced technology and fully automated hematology analyzers play revolutionary role in diagnostic sector.
The original hematology analyzers first appeared in 1950s but truly functional and automated versions became available in the market after 1970s. Before this time, the laboratory tests were based exclusively on manual techniques, blood cell counts by hemocytometer, hemoglobin concentration by cyanomethemoglobin method, hematocrit by Wintrobe method, reticulocyte count by supravital stain, and white blood cell differential counts by microscopic method. The pathologists were facing lots of difficulties because it was more laborious, more imprecise, more chances of distributional, statistical errors, and errors due to inter-observer variability.
The history of Coulter is very interesting. In 1956, Coulter impedance measurement particles suspended in a conductive electrolyte solution were drawn though a small aperture. During 1960s, multichannel instruments were able to do RBC and WBC counting by impedance method and hemoglobin determination using the cyanmethemoglobin method. But in 1970s, automated platelet counts were done by hydrodynamic focus method and cell counting by light-scattering method, introduced in analyzers. Five-part differential hematology analyzers were introduced in the year 1980. Now, the seven-part differential hematology analyzers are available in the market.
Currently, various analyzers available in the market are based on various techniques: impendence technology, optical system, fluorescence flow cytometry, double-hydrodynamic sequential system, high-fluorescence body-fluid technology, and digital cell morphology. The combination of these various technologies has increased the yield and productivity of test results.
Advantages of various automated hematology analyzers are excellent analytical performance, closed-tube analysis, no inter-observer variability, no slide distribution error, elimination of statistical variations, and availability of extra parameters, e.g., MCV and RWD.
What is next for the hematology laboratory?
Increasingly, manufacturers are incorporating additional tests into the routine hematology analyzer, e.g., CD61, CD3, CD4, and CD8 assays. These tests allow for increased analyzer utility and efficiency. Latest-generation analyzers are capable of giving detailed cellular information to the operator, such as blast cell differentials. Some are also able to give suggestive information regarding pathological conditions, e.g., iron deficiency anemia. The additional information available to hematology technology increases the efficiency and productivity of the laboratory, and ultimately when used correctly improves patient care.
