Evaluation of the Vega Haematology Analyser in a university hospital setting

The performance of the ABX Vega haematology analyser was compared with that of the Sysmex NE-8000, with specific attention to flagging performance and ergonomics. Eight hundred routine samples underwent precision and interins trument variability studies and 168 samples corresponding to various blood disorders were studied meanwhile. Results from the two instruments gave exc ellent correlation (r > 0.900) for most parameters except MCHC (r = 0.114), basophil and monocyte percentages (r = 0.617 and 0.552, respectively). The reproducibility, repeatability, linearity, carry-over and stability of the Vega were satisfactory; 'flagging' occurred in 31% of routine samples with sensitivity 88.8%, specificity 41.3%, and positive predictive value 85.7%. Various flags appeared in 91% (42/46) of cases where blast cells were micr oscopically identified. In the four remaining cases, CBC anomalies would th emselves have justified microscopic examination of a smear. On 'CBC only' m ode reagent consumption was significantly reduced. In the laboratory the an alyser was best appreciated for its user-friendliness.