8 Questions
Hematology analyzers use only Coulter's principle to identify blood cells.
False
Hematology analyzers are only used to conduct a complete blood count.
False
The first hematology analyzer was engineered by Wallace H. Coulter.
True
A complete blood count includes only red blood cell and white blood cell counts.
False
A 3-part differential cell counter can differentiate between five types of white blood cells.
False
Laboratory technicians still count blood cells individually underneath a microscope.
False
Hematology analyzers can measure platelet distribution width and platelet mean volume.
True
Hematology analyzers are used only in research settings.
False
Study Notes
Hematology Analyzers
- Used to count and identify blood cells at high speed with accuracy, replacing manual counting under a microscope in the 1950s
- First analyzer engineered by Wallace H. Coulter, relying on Coulter's principle (Coulter counter)
Uses of Hematology Analyzers
- Conduct complete blood count (CBC) to determine patient's general health status
- CBC includes: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin, platelet count, and hematocrit levels
- Other analyses include:
- RBC distribution width
- Mean corpuscular volume
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations
- WBC differential count in percentage and absolute value
- Platelet distribution width
- Platelet mean volume
- Large platelet cell ratio
- Platelet criteria
Techniques Used
- Flow cytometry
- Spectrophotometry
- Electrical impedance (Coulter's principle)
- Digital microscopy with AI
Types of Hematology Analyzers
3-Part Differential Cell Counter
- Uses Coulter's principle to find the size and volume of cells
- Differentiates between three types of white blood cells (WBCs): neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes
5-Part Differential Cell Counter
- Utilizes both Coulter's principle and flow cytometry to determine cell granularity, diameter, and inner complexity
- Differentiates all WBC types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes
Components of Hematology Analyzer
- Power source
- Control unit
- Collecting system
- Data storage
- Processing system
Learn about the evolution of hematology analyzers, from manual counting to automated machines, and how they revolutionized blood cell counting.
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