Leukocyte counts in cerebrospinal fluid with the automated hematology analyzer, Technicon H*3.
BACKGROUND
Presently, the counting of leukocytes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is still performed manually. This requires sufficiently experienced medical technologists. At present, specific automated systems for CSF cell counting are not available. In this study, we evaluated the use of the automated hematology analyzer, Technicon H*3 in the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).


METHODS
We tested the hematology analyzer, Technicon H*3, which was not designed for CSF analysis. Sixty CSF samples were analyzed by the analyzer, Technicon H*3. Then the counts obtained were compared with the manual microscopic method.


RESULTS
Linearity was tested by both plasma and normal saline solution (NSS). Concerning the NSS dilution, a good correlation can be observed at theoretical number of WBC > 30 cells/microL and so did the plasma dilution. The results of the comparison of both methods used for the determination of total leukocytes in the CSF gave a good correlation (r = 0.984). Concerning the determinations of neutrophils and lymphocytes, the correlation coefficients were 0.855 and 0.835, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
According to our study, the use of this automated analyzer for cell counting in CSF is probably feasible. The high degree of accuracy and linearity that is offered by the analyzer should prompt us and the manufacturers to remedy the interfering factors as described by improving the algorithms. Once this is done, these analyzers may be very useful for cell counts in CSF.
Soogarun
Suphan
S
Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand 10330. supunsug@hotmail.com
Sirimongkolsakul
Sanong
S
Wiwanitkit
Viroj
V
Siritantikorn
Atchasai
A
Pimsane
Kanokorn
K
Srivijarn
Ritthichai
R
D001331:Automation; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008214:Lymphocytes; D008581:Meningitis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009504:Neutrophils