Complete blood count (CBC) is the most commonly ordered investigation. It is most versatile yet most economical. CBC can be done by manual or automated method. This study evaluates the performance of two automated cell counters for the analysis of CBC. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate hematological parameters in various hematological disorders and to discuss the advantages, disadvantages of both instruments in relation with diagnosis of common hematological disorders. This prospective study was carried out at department of pathology in tertiary care hospital over the period of 2 years. Blood samples from 100 patients of age 13 years and above was collected into K3EDTA tube, and analyzed using both counters. The common hematological parameters between two counters were compared by using kappa test and then categorized into below normal, normal and above normal. The results were given in the form of strength of agreement (very good, good, fair and poor). Good to fair correlation were found for almost all parameters. However, MCV was underestimated by mythic 3part counter. The blood samples having too high and too low TLC were recognized only by sysmex. Thus this study concludes that, 5 part cell counter is technically more advanced with methodological superiority but 3part hematology analyzer is cost effective.

Keywords: Automated cell counter, hematology analyzer, CBC.

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Dr Amruta Shankar Jujgar

Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India

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