Comparison between manual and automated total nucleated cell counts using the ADVIA 120 for pleural and peritoneal fluid samples from dogs, cats, horses, and alpacas.
BACKGROUND
Analysis of body fluids includes an estimate of total nucleated cell count (TNCC). Automated methods may enhance the accuracy and timeliness of TNCC results.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report was to assess the ability of the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer to accurately count nucleated cells in pleural and peritoneal fluids from animals, compared with manual counts.


METHODS
Pleural and peritoneal fluids submitted in EDTA tubes to our laboratory over a 17-month period were used in the study. TNCC/microL was determined by a manual method, using a hemocytometer, and by an automated method, using the ADVIA 120. Correlation of results was determined by Passing-Bablok regression, Bland-Altman plots, and Pearson correlation analysis.


RESULTS
Samples from dogs (n=36), cats (n=36), horses (n=59), and alpacas (n=11) were analyzed. High correlation in TNCC between methods was found for peritoneal fluid (n=93, r=.959), pleural fluid (n=49, r=.966), and all fluids combined (n=142, r=.960) (P<.001). Variation between methods was greater in samples with TNCCs<1000/microL (r=.62, P<.001). The ADVIA systematically overestimated the number of cells in all fluid samples by 95 cells/microL (confidence interval=19.2-190.5/muL).


CONCLUSIONS
The ADVIA 120 reliably determines TNCC in pleural and peritoneal effusions and can be recommended for routine veterinary laboratory analysis.
Gorman
M Elena
ME
Department of Biomedical Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA. elena.gorman
Villarroel
Aurora
A
Tornquist
Susan J
SJ
Flachsbart
Joy
J
Warden
Annette
A
Boeder
Lisa
L
D000818:Animals; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D001331:Automation; D002161:Camelids, New World; D002415:Cats; D002452:Cell Count / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000662:veterinary; D006736:Horses; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000166:cytology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity