title: Clinical evaluation of the CA530-VET hematology analyzer for use in veterinary practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The CA530-VET is a completely automated impedance cell hematology analyzer, which yields a 16-parameter blood count including a 3-part leukocyte differential.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine the operational potential of the CA530-VET and its value for use in veterinary practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  The analyzer was tested for blood carry-over, precision, and accuracy. Comparison methods included the CELL-DYN 3500, microhematocrit centrifugation, manual platelet (PLT) counting for feline and equine species, and a 100-cell manual WBC differential. Blood samples for comparison of the methods were obtained from 242 dogs, 166 cats, and 144 horses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The carry-over ratio (K) was 0.28% for RBC, 0.59% for PLT, 0.32% for WBC, and 0.18% for hemoglobin (HGB) concentration. Coefficients of variation (CVs) for within-batch precision and duplicate measurement of blood samples were clearly within the required limits, except for duplicate platelet counts in cats (8.7%) and horses (9.5%). The WBC count was in excellent agreement for dogs and horses and RBC count was in excellent agreement for horses. The accuracy of feline WBC counts was not acceptable, with the exception of values at the high end of the range. RBC counts in dogs and cats, and HGB concentration and MCV in all 3 species were sufficiently accurate. The CA530-VET HCT results were in excellent agreement with microhematocrit results in horses but exceeded the maximum allowed inaccuracy for cats and dogs. In all species, PLT counts established mechanically and manually were not in adequate agreement. Large differences were found between the CA530-VET and the manual differential percentage for lymphocytes and "mid-sized cells" (monocytes and basophilic granulocytes).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The CA530-VET can be considered useful for routine canine, feline, and equine blood cell analyses. It should not be considered accurate, however, for PLT counts, feline total WBC counts in the subnormal and normal range, and leukocyte differentials, except for granulocytes.
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Small Animals, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roleff
authors.forename: Gisela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Arndt
authors.forename: Bram
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bottema
authors.forename: Lothar
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Junker
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grabner
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kohn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D004285:Dogs; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006736:Horses / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000662:veterinary; D011786:Quality Control; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins