How A Hematology Analyzer Works
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How A Hematology Analyzer Works

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A hematology analyzer lets you quickly examine blood cells using advanced technology.
This device automates the process, so you do not need to count cells by hand.
You benefit from more accurate results because the machine uses digital tools that reduce human error.
Automated systems create consistent blood films and use artificial intelligence to classify cells.
This means you can trust the results to help diagnose health conditions faster and more reliably.


Key Takeaways

  • Hematology analyzers automate blood-cell counting, providing fast, accurate results that help diagnose health conditions quickly.

  • Proper sample handling is crucial to maintain blood-cell quality and ensure reliable test outcomes.

  • Two main technologies—impedance-based counting and light-scatter—work together to identify and count different blood cells precisely.

  • Advanced analyzers use artificial intelligence to improve accuracy, reduce errors, and support detailed blood analysis.

  • Using hematology analyzers boosts lab efficiency, saves time, and improves patient care by delivering reliable and detailed blood-test results.


How It Works

Sample Handling

When you use a hematology analyzer, you start with careful sample preparation.
This step helps you get accurate results and keeps the blood cells in good condition.

StepBest Practice
CollectionUse EDTA tube to prevent clotting.
Needle sizeChoose appropriate gauge to avoid cell damage.
MixingGently invert tube; do not shake.
SmearPrepare from fresh blood immediately.
StorageRefrigerate whole blood (do not freeze); keep smears at room temperature.
AnticoagulantAvoid heparin (causes clumping).
QCWatch for shrinkage, clumping, or other artifacts.

> Tip: Modern analyzers use barcode scanning and automated pipetting to reduce contamination and clerical errors.


Cell-Counting Methods

1. Impedance-Based Counting (Coulter Principle)

ElementDescription
PrincipleWallace Coulter, 1953.
SetupTwo electrodes separated by a small aperture in conductive solution.
DetectionCell passage changes electrical resistance → voltage pulse.
Pulse sizeProportional to cell volume.
SpeedCounts thousands of cells in < 1 min.
  • Excellent for RBC, WBC, PLT counts.

  • Limitation: Size only; limited WBC subtyping.

2. Light-Scatter Technology

  • Laser light hits each cell.

    • Forward scatter → cell size.

    • Side scatter → internal complexity/granularity.

    • Fluorescence (with dyes) → DNA/RNA content.

  • Enables 5-part WBC differential and detection of immature/abnormal cells.

> Note: Combining both methods yields fast, reliable, and detailed results superior to manual counts.


Data Analysis

After counting, built-in software processes the raw data:

  • Generates histograms & scattergrams.

  • Reports CBC (WBC, RBC, Hb, PLT, indices).

  • Provides 5-part differential (Neut, Lymph, Mono, Eo, Baso).

  • Flags abnormal results & suggests repeat if necessary.

  • Stores > 100,000 patient files (expandable via USB).

AI Enhancements

  • Convolutional neural networks for cell imaging.

  • Support-vector machines / Random forests for classification & risk prediction.


Hematology Analyzer Components

Sample System

  • Automated cleaning & rinsing → minimizes carry-over.

  • Closed-tube sampling → operator safety.

  • Micro-volume capability → ideal for pediatrics.

  • Platelet-clump de-aggregation & multi-fold detection → accurate low-platelet counts.

> Tip: Automation ensures reproducible results even with difficult samples.

Detection System

  • Optical, impedance, digital imaging.

  • Flow cytometry + VCS (Volume, Conductivity, Scatter).

  • Deep-learning models (YOLO) for rapid cell recognition.

  • AI boosts precision and flags morphologic anomalies.

Computer & Software

Feature CategoryDetails
Data StorageUp to 100,000 results
User InterfaceColor touchscreen, multilingual
ConnectivityUSB, Ethernet, RS-232
ReportingBuilt-in ticket printer, customizable formats
QC ToolsLevey-Jennings plots, barcode loading
AlertsAuto-flag abnormal results

Hematology Analyzer Types

3-Part Differential

  • Groups WBC into: Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Granulocytes (Neut+Eo+Baso).

  • Pros: Low cost, fast, simple maintenance.

  • Cons: ~30 % samples need manual review; poor flagging of neutropenia.

Best for: Routine screening, small labs.

5-Part Differential

  • Separates WBC into: Neut, Lymph, Mono, Eo, Baso.

  • Uses flow cytometry + lasers.

  • Higher accuracy, fewer manual reviews, essential for infection/allergy/blood-disorder work-ups.

Feature3-Part5-Part
WBC Diff3 groups5 subtypes
AccuracyBasicHigh
CostLowerHigher
Clinical UseScreeningSpecialized diagnostics

Advanced Models

  • 6-part diff, reticulocyte counts, nucleated RBC, automated morphology.

  • Throughput: ≤ 100 samples/h.

  • Full LIS integration, auto-flagging, remote maintenance.

  • Support complex diagnoses: anemia, leukemia, etc.


Applications in Healthcare

Clinical Benefits

  • Accurate, reproducible CBC & diff.

  • Rapid TAT → faster treatment decisions.

  • Trend analysis for therapy monitoring.

  • Cost savings via fewer repeats & unnecessary procedures.

  • Personalized medicine through detailed blood profiles.

Laboratory Efficiency

  • Auto-sampling, barcode ID ↓ manual labor.

  • LIS integration ↓ transcription errors.

  • Remote diagnostics ↓ downtime.

  • QC databases streamline compliance.

Disease Monitoring

StageRecommended TestsFrequency
DiagnosisCytogenetics, FISH, QPCROnce
On therapyCG 3–6 mo; FISH/QPCR 3 moEvery 3–6 mo
RemissionCG, FISH, QPCROnce
Post-remissionCG 12–24 mo; FISH 6 mo; QPCR 3–6 moPeriodic
Suspected relapseRepeat CG, QPCR, mutation studiesAs needed

FAQ

Q: What is a hematology analyzer used for?
A: To count and identify blood cells, aiding diagnosis of anemia, infection, leukemia, etc.

Q: How long does a test take?
A: Usually < 5 minutes.

Q: Is special training required?
A: Basic training for safe operation; touchscreens and on-board SOPs make usage straightforward.

Q: Can it detect all blood disorders?
A: Most common disorders; rare or complex cases may require additional tests.

Zecen Biotech CO., LTD. founded in 2011, is a leading Chinese diagnostics manufacturer specializing in in-vitro diagnostics devices and reagents.
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