Evaluation of two automated cell counters for the analysis of hematopoietic progenitor cell apheresis products.

Introduction: Routine hematology parameters in hematopoietic progenitor cell apheresis products (HPC-A) are usually determined using automated cell counters. These instruments, however, are designed to analyze whole blood samples, that differ considerably from HPC-A in blood cell composition. This study evaluates the performance of two automated cell counters for the analysis of HPC-A.

Methods: Routine hematology parameters [red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC), WBC differentiation, and platelets (PLT)] were determined on the Unicel DxH 800 instrument (Beckman Coulter) and the XN-350 instrument (Sysmex). Correlations with the reference methods, intrarun precision, and linearity of the analyses were studied.

Results: Good correlations were found for almost all parameters. However, RBC count was overestimated by XN-350, using the impedance technique, as was neutrophil percentage using DxH 800. Coefficients of variation for intrarun precision were below 10% on both analyzers for all parameters, except for neutrophil percentage (14.7%) and PLT (10%) on DxH 800. Both instruments showed good linearity for all parameters, except for RBC and HCT on DxH 800.

Conclusion: With the exception of the measurement of neutrophils on DxH 800 and RBC by the impedance technique on the XN-350, routine hematology parameters in HPC-A can safely be determined using automated cell counters.