A Multiparameter Automated Hematology Analyzer: The Technicon H-6000

The performance of the Technicon H-6000 was evaluated in the computerized, high-volume hematology laboratory at M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston, Tex, and compared with that of reference instrumentation used for routine patient care. The within-run precision, linearity, and lack of carryover was excellent, and the day-to-day precision was satisfactory for the entire range of tested parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, RDW, and PLT). Coefficients of correlation for these parameters were 0.98 or greater, with the exception of the MCV (r = 0.93). Special emphasis was placed on the correlation study of WBCs and PLTs at low ranges. Correlationwas very good (r = 0.98) for WBC counts below 4.0×103/μL (4.0×109/L) but poor (r = 0.52) for PLT counts less than 50×103/μL (50×109/L). These findings prompted a program change in the analytical algorithm for PLT counts by Technicon Instruments Corp. After this change, an excellent correlation coefficient (r = 0.91) was demonstrated for PLT counts in the low range.