A note on erythrocyte counts in cerebrospinal fluid with the automated hematology analyzer, Technicon H*3

Material and Methods: We tested the hematology analyzer, Technicon H*3, which was not designed for CSF analysis. Twenty CSF samples were analyzed. The counts obtained were then compared with the manual microscopic method. Results: Linearity was tested by normal saline solution (NSS). The results of the comparison of both methods used for the determination of total erythrocytes in the CSF exhibited a good correlation (y = 0.836X + 1902.49; r = 0.849, p < 0.001). Conclusion: According to our study, the use of this automated analyzer for cell counting in CSF is probably feasible. The high degree of accuracy and linearity that is offered by the analyzer should prompt us and the manufacturers to remedy the interfering factors as described by improving the algorithms. Once this is done, these analyzers may be very useful for cell counts in CSF.