Red Cell Cytograms Generated by an ADVIA 120 Automated Hematology Analyzer: Characteristic Patterns in Common Hematological Conditions

Graphical data output from automated hematology analyzers, especially those related to red blood cells, have been traditionally ignored in favor of the more frequently used numerical values. This study presents characteristic red cell cytograms generated by Advia-120, a 5-part automated hematology analyzer, as seen in common hematological conditions. Both numerical and graphical data output from Advia-120 automated hematology analyzer (Technicon H1 series) were studied over a period of 2 years from blood samples processed for routine complete blood count in a high output hematology laboratory of a tertiary care hospital. Data were correlated with relevant clinical information and red cell parameters to diagnose the hematological condition in patients with anemia and abnormal red cell indices/red cell cytograms. Common hematological conditions like iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, macrocytic anemia, dual deficiency anemia, cold agglutinins, and others were diagnosed based on characteristic red cell cytogram patterns, red cell indices, and relevant biochemical/other investigations. Red cell cytogram patterns from automated analyzers provide clinically useful information that acts as an adjunct to the numerical parameters and at times is even diagnostic of some hematological conditions not otherwise suspected.