Hematology Analyzer Function & Overview
In medical laboratories, hematology analyzer are one of the useful medical equipment that replace manual methods of blood analysis. These advanced devices have produced fast and precise outcomes, making it possible for health practitioners to diagnose and treat conditions like anemias, infections, and leukemia among others.
For starters, this piece will focus on what hematology analyzers are, the various brands, Sysmex, Beckman Coulter, Siemens, and more. More importantly, we will also highlight in what ways the automated and automatic hematology analyzers are helping to reform the healthcare sector.
Hematology Analyzer
Hematology analyzers are laboratory apparatus aimed at counting and characterizing blood cells. These devices quantify parameters like red blood cell counts (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit volume, and platelet counts. These machines are of immense relevance in giving an overview of a patient’s health and assisting in the diagnosis of several blood disorders.
Factors responsible for the improvement of most blood analyzers today include, the increasing demand for quick and accurate blood analysis. Most of the modern-day complications in hematology analyzers are attributed to the spare time that is used by automated systems.
Types of Hematology Analyzer
The hematology analyzers described above are of different types and hence are equipped with different features and capabilities for the different sizes and testing requirements of labs.
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzers
These devices are designed to sub-classify the leukocyte populations of the blood into three – granulocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte. These are used in smaller clinics that practice basic hematology procedures.
5-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
These are more advanced and categorization includes WBCs into standard five classifications – neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil. They are commonly employed in large hospitals that require a detailed breakdown.
6-Part Hematology Analyzers
These analyzers also include additional parameters like immature granulocytes, making it possible to view additional aspects of the patient’s health status. They fit in research centers and hospitals with more complicated diagnosis situations.
Automated Hematology Analyzers
Thanks to the automation of the hematology analyzers, the errors that could have come as a result of manual work have tremendously reduced and the turnaround time for the analyzed samples has also improved. The addition of automated devices into the hematology analysis equipment generates more output than individual or batch processes.
Such machines are necessary for use in large hospitals and diagnostic centers where a hundred or even a thousand blood specimens are to be processed daily.
On average a computerized or automated hematology analyzer in the hospital performs the following functions:
Cell Counting: It counts the number of cells present, using the electrical impedance or light scattering.
Differential Count: It performs the automatic separation of various types of white blood cells.
Flagging Abnormalities: It isolates abnormal cells and marks them for the review of a pathologist. Paperless storage and management of results: Saves results in different formats for the future retrieval and evaluation of the outcome.
Automated systems increase effectiveness and also bring about uniformity in the results; hence they are very vital in today’s clinical laboratories.
Famous Hematology Analyzers
Some brands dominate the hematology analyzer market owing to their desirable features and performance.
Sysmex Hematology Analyzers
One of the best manufacturers in the market Sysmex has gained popularity in the field of Hematology. Users of Sysmex analyzers say that they are very accurate and friendly. These analyzers are equipped with additional functionality aimed at wider diagnostic abilities including reticulocyte and nucleated red blood cell count to facilitate the diagnosis of various hematological diseases.
Beckman Coulter Hematology Analyzers
The Beckman Colter analyzers are quite durable compared to others and work in various settings. Because of its efficiency in processing big sample volumes, it is mostly used in high-sampled clinical laboratories. Beckman Coulter machines produce precise and comprehensive differential counting in hematological practice.
Siemens Hematology Analyzers
Siemens gives a variety of quality analyzers able to produce consistent and accurate results. The devices also have exceptional systems like the VCS (Volume, Conductivity, and Scatter) which is used in blood cell analysis and results in accurate blood count differentiation.
Problems with Manual and Automated Interpretation of the Results
The use of manual methods for blood analysis is still limited, although in most laboratories work with automated hematology analyzers has become standard practice. Manual methods are essentially the macroscopic preparation of a blood smear followed by cell counting under a microscope, procedures that are labor and time-intensive and subject to errors.
On the opposite, such devices can analyze hundreds of samples in substantially less period than manual processes, producing replicable outcomes and with even enhanced precision.
Accuracy and Speed
There are benefits to be gained by the use of automated hematology analyzers over manual methods with efficiency of operation being one of them. These devices remove the subjectivity that is related to looking through a microscope and being able to be tired.
Cost Effectiveness
There is considerable capital investment for the purchase of automated analyzers but over some years these technologies have led to a reduction of the bungling which leads to under-average labor costs.
The Place of an Auto Hematology Analyzer
An auto hematology analyzer provides conveniences in plenty and is useful, especially in high-traffic areas such as big hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and research centers. Some of the key benefits include:
Efficiency: These machines can process and interpret a large number of blood samples at relatively shorter times thus prompting a follow-up in orders and reducing the length of cycle time for assay result availability.
Expanded Discussion: Automated cell counters contribute to comprehensive blood analysis by providing transfusions and monitoring several health parameters and disorders.
Data Integration: Most of the present-day analyzers are very compatible with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for inputting, searching, and analyzing data.
Choosing the Right Hematology Analyzer Machine
The evaluation of the right hematology analyzer machine always revolves around some parameters, most importantly the amount of work to be performed, several parameters to be performed, and the finances available.
Laboratories with high test volumes will prefer the fully automated machines with advanced features whereas smaller centers may settle for the manual and more affordable machines.
Key factors to consider when making a selection include:
Sample Throughput: Pay attention to the daily number of samples and processes.
Test Menu: Take into account the number of parameters the machine can perform, including the basic tests of cell counts, differentials, and clients’ needs such as relics.
Ease of Use: The use of complex software necessitates a prolonged period of training and there exists a high possibility for numerous errors.
Maintenance and Support: Select equipment from a company from which the technician can easily acquire its spare parts with credible technical assistance.
Conclusion
The invention of hematology analyzers has greatly enhanced the performance of blood tests in terms of precision, speed as well as reliability compared to human tests. Automated blood analyzer integrated diagnostic systems, particularly of Sysmex, Beckman Coulter and Siemens offer medical practitioners with rapid and reliable weapons to investigate and manage many ailments.
Appropriate analysis support staff can hence raise the productivity of the laboratories and in consequence, the available care for the patients is improved and the turnaround time of favorable clinical results is drastically reduced.
