Automated techniques in haematology.
BACKGROUND
Manual techniques have been mostly in use in developing countries until recently because of its low cost even though it is laborious. Many laboratories are however changing to automated techniques since many samples can be analysed within a short time. It is likely that more laboratories will use these instruments either as semi automated or fully automated multichannel instruments. There is therefore a need for laboratories to become more responsive to the needs of physicians making request by providing help in the presentation and interpretation of results.


METHODS
Available literature on automation in Haematology was sourced for using both manual library search and Medline search.


RESULTS
Quality control in automated blood cell counts and related topics are extensively researched but there is still dearth of knowledge on automation in other areas of Haematology and on the clinical implications of automation.


CONCLUSIONS
It is therefore necessary to make provision for automated facilities in laboratories in view of the high precision and cost effectiveness of these machines. This review is geared towards a critical look at this technology and its application to disease states.
Kotila
T R
TR
Department of Haematology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
D001322:Autoanalysis; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000379:methods*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D006405:Hematology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans