ROBOTICS IN THE HEMATOLOGY LABORATORY - AN EVALUATION OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE SYSMEX HS-330

The productivity of a robotic hematology system (Sysmex HS-330) was co mpared with that of existing automated, semi-automated, and manual sys tems (Coulter Counter-Model STKS; Sysmex R-1000 reticulocyte counter; Geometric Data Miniprep slide maker, respectively) in the clinical hem atology laboratory of a large hospital. On average, for a batch of 50 samples, the HS-330 performed a blood count with a 5-part differential , a reticulocyte count, and prepare a blood smear 23 minutes faster th an could trained technologists using existing equipment. An estimated 1.8 medical technologists could be assigned to other tasks; however, b ecause of the equipment's high cost, in a laboratory processing 1,000 samples per day, 4.6 years would be needed before any actual cost savi ngs were experienced.