Abstract:

Objective To investigate the feasibility of replacing manual counting method with microscope in cell counts and white blood cell classification by automated hematology analyzer in body fluid mode. Methods A total of 287 serous cavity effusion specimens from inpatients were collected,and the manual counting method with microscope（manual method） and the instrumental determination method with automated hematology analyzer（instrumental method） were used for red blood cell and white blood cell counts and white blood cell classification. The manual method was used as the gold standard. The accuracy of instrumental method was evaluated. Results For the specimens whose white blood cell count 201-15 000 cells/μL or the red blood cell count ≥200 cells/μL,the instrumental method and manual method had good correlation in cell counts,and the 2 methods had a good correlation in white blood cell classification（P<0.01）. Conclusions The automated hematology analyzer has the advantages of rapidity,accuracy and reproducibility in cell counts and white blood cell classification of serous cavity effusion specimens. When the red blood cell and white blood cell counts are within certain linear ranges,instrumental method can replace the manual counting method with microscope.

Key words: Serous cavity effusion, Automated hematology analyzer, Cell count, White blood cell classification