Hematology, a branch of medicine, is highly concerned with studies related to blood and blood-forming tissues. Therefore, the department places a high priority on the detection, prevention, and treatment of blood-related illnesses. This is where you require a hematology analyzer. Hematology analyzers were introduced in order to tackle the crisis of inaccurate results, time-consuming procedures, and others.
The ultimate goal of the hematology analyzer is to rapidly and accurately count the number of cells in a blood sample. A hematology analyzer can separate white blood cells into three types (LYM, MID, and GRAN) and five types (LYM, MONO, NEU, EOS, and BASO).
A hematology analyzer, in a nutshell, is a specialised computer system designed to rapidly and accurately count the total number of blood cells in a sample in less time.
The Origin of the Hematology Analyzers
Until the advent of the hematology analyzer in the 1950s, technicians would manually count cells using a microscope. This method of counting the number of cells and analysing the same was therefore less accurate and time-consuming. Wallace H. Coulter introduced hematology analyzers in response to the necessity of achieving accurate results in a short time. This basic analyzer was then modified and upgraded with many more features. The 3-part hematology analyzer and the 5-part hematology analyzer were developed based on this basic model by Coulter.
What Is the Need for a Hematology Analyzer?
The Department of Hematology is dedicated exclusively to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of all blood-related diseases and conditions. A few blood disorders that require a hematology analyzer include the following:
- Leukemia
- Types of hemophilia
- Myeloma
- Blood Clots
- Sickle-cell Anemia
- Lymphoma
Treatment of these blood disorders and blood-fed organs such as the spleen, lymph, nodes, thymus, etc. at the earliest becomes the prime responsibility of a hematologist.
Upgraded versions of hematology analyzers, such as 3-part automated hematology analyzers and 5-part automated hematology analyzers, are now available on the market in response to the demand for precise and accurate results in a short amount of time.
Different Principles Employed in the Working of Hematology Analyzer
The working of the hematology analyzer is based on three distinct principles, which can be broken down into:
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Electrical impudence
Electrical impudence is one of the most common principles used in hematology analyzers, and these analyzers are much more comparable to the very basic model that Coulter developed. The analysis of a blood sample is made easier by the procedure of passing the blood sample through two electrodes. The impudence varies with each cell that passes through, allowing for a more accurate reading of the blood sample.
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Flow cytometry
It is one of the most up-to-date versions, and it is often employed in 5 part hematology analyzers. The hematology analyzer makes use of cutting-edge technology, which explains why it can deliver detailed reports.
This particular technique makes use of a laser beam, through which a stream of single cells is guided. This, in turn, will eventually result in the scattering and absorption of light.
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Fluorescent flow cytometry
The only significant difference between this technique and flow cytometry is the incorporation of fluorescent reagents.
Different Types of Automated Hematology Analyzers
Many different models of hematology analyzers were eventually developed, all of which were based on Coulter’s initial model of a hematology analyzer. This was done because the hematology department of the medical science faculty required significantly more advanced test results. The following are the most prevalent types of hematology analyzers:
3-Part Automated Hematology Analyzer
A 3-part automated hematology analyzer is one that only provides or reports on three different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes). Based on their sizes, the model classifies blood cells into three distinct categories, such as:
- Small WBC group
- Medium-sized WBC group
- Large WBC group
5 Part Automated Hematology Analyzer
The latest model of hematology analyzer is capable of categorizing all the different types of white blood cells. Thus, the model of hematology analyzer classifies blood cells into lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, or eosinophils.
The 5 Part Vs. 3-Part Hematology Analyzer
In addition to the functions described above, the 3-part hematology analyzer and the 5-part hematology analyzer were developed so that a higher level of accuracy and precision could be achieved in the results. What makes them any different from each other when both are made to avail themselves of accurate results in no time? Which hematology analyzer is the best value for your money? Read on to find out!
The 3-Part Hematology Analyzer
- Simple CBC tests that are performed by a physician or at a small laboratory make use of a 3-part hematology analyzer. It aids in determining the count of neutrophil lymphocytes, thus providing information about viral or bacterial infections.
- It runs on a simple, compact system that uses fewer reagents, making the model more cost-effective.
- Compared to the 5-part hematology analyzer, the model is capable of providing much more detailed information about the increased count of neutrophils.
- The analyzer is commonly found or used in the emergency room that requires acute inflammation details.
- 3-part hematology that employs anti-coagulant treated blood provides you with speedy results in under two minutes.
The 5-Part Hematology Analyzer
- Flow cytometry is the very basis or principle on which the 5 part hematology analyzer is built. Therefore, you get a thorough status of the given blood sample.
- Compared to a 3 part hematology analyzer, the model uses more reagents, thus making it more expensive.
- To attain results of higher accuracy, Dynamic Gating Technology is employed in this particular model of hematology analyzer.
- It performs tests on blood treated with an anti-coagulant to provide speedy results.
Summing Up
Analysing the blood components and other foreign bodies is of utmost significance as a result of the numerous diseases that are widespread throughout the world. Hematology analyzers are computerized systems that are capable of providing accurate results in less than two minutes. Hematology analyzers also contribute to a significant reduction in the amount of labour required.
Agappe Diagonistic Ltd. has the most advanced hematology analyzers, which can run multiple tests in parallel. Agappe’s Mispa Count Plus, Mispa Count X Plus, and Mispa CountX are all 3-part and 5-part automated hematology analyzers that deliver rapid and accurate results.
