Evaluation of the Abbott CELL-DYN 4000 hematology analyzer

A new generation hematology analyzer Abbott CELL-DYN 4000 (CD 4000), capabl e of providing 26 parameters, including fully automated reticulocyte, nucle ated RBC, blast band and immature granulocyte, and variant lymphocyte count s, was evaluated by using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory St andards H20-A protocol and compared with the Bayer-Technicon H-2 analyzer w hich is used routinely in our laboratory. A lipid interference experiment a nd a sample aging study also were performed. Linearity carryover and precis ion were within the limits established by the manufacturer and satisfactory agreement was found with the H-2 analyzer The evaluation of leukocyte diff erential counts indicated an excellent correlation with the manual referenc e method for neutrophils and lymphocytes, a good correlation for monocytes and eosinophils, and a poor correlation for basophils in samples with low c ounts;for basophil counts of 2% or higher; we found an improvement of the c orrelation coefficient. In the lipid interference experiment only hemoglobi n determination was influenced significantly on the CD 4000, but by using a new Abbott hemoglobin reagent, the interference was eliminated. The CBC an d differential counts were stable and reportable up to at least 24 hours. I ntrasample viability information on leukocytes provided a quality check on each individual specimen.