What are The Features and Uses of Hematology Analyzer?
Hematology analyzers are automated systems that count leucocytes, red cells and platelets in the blood. Within a short time span this technology has come up a long way and it determines the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit. Complete Blood Count (CBC) was performed manually by technicians at the laboratory in earlier times but modern day analyzers are able to process hundreds of samples in an hour. Advancement in automation has enabled the system to accommodate numerous analyzers and also archive facilities.

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What are the advantages of Automated Hematology Analyzers? It is used for the detection of a range of pathological states which include anemia, infection, and hematological malignancy. Also, the analyzer is used for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. An automated hematology analyzer can provide critical information immediately which will improve the patients’ outcomes. The choice of the device mainly the analyzers are critical to obtaining accurate and automated CBC test results in various environments.
Benefits of Automated Hematology Analyzers
Easy to Use- The analyzer automates the hematology testing process making it simple to use. The sample is collected in the tube and then the tube is placed in the analyzer. Press start and then the Hematology Analyzer does the rest of the tasks.
Portable- The analyzer is highly portable as there is no need of transportation of any bulky liquid, reagents, or other testing materials. Plug the analyzer into an outlet and then turn it on. The machine is ideally used on ships, hospitals or other remote environments. After the start up, it is ready for use instantly. It performs quality checks to ensure proper functioning.
Simple to support- It can be easily and safely stored without complex shutdowns and maintenance procedures. When the CBC results are required, then the automated hematology analyzers will be ready to use within minutes. The longevity of the disposables contributes to the simplification of logistics and the analyzers are quickly replenished.
Hematology Analyzer Technology
It is used widely in patient and research settings. The three main physical technologies used are -
Electrical Impedance:
It is the traditional method for counting cells and also is known as Coulter Principles. It is used in almost all types of hematology analyzers. It returns the CBCs and three-part WBC differentials. But it cannot distinguish between the similar sized granular leukocytes.
Flow Cytometry:
It is more expensive than impedance analysis and returns information about the morphology of blood cells. A single-cell stream is passed through a laser beam and then the absorbance is measured.
Fluorescent Flow Cytometry:
It measures the specific cell populations by adding fluorescent reagents in the use of flow cytometry. The fluorescent dyes reveal the nucleus plasma ratio of each stained cell. It is mainly used for platelets analysis, reticulocytes, and nucleated RBCs.
Automation minimizes the need for manual intervention and the semi-automation includes steps like a dilution of blood samples and measurement of variables. Appropriate blood samples help the incorporation of fully automated systems. All that is required now is appropriate blood sample for work.