Interference by cold agglutinins with the measurement of particle concentrations in the Coulter Counter® Model S-Plus IV

Abstract

Cold agglutinins may interfere with measurement of red cell indices in the Coulter Counter® Model S-Plus IV due to aggregation of erythrocytes. This is most easily detected by a mean erythrocyte haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) raised above 22.7 mmol/l (established by experience). Heating of the samples will normalize the values in most cases. Temperature-dependent red cell indices were not found in approximately 100 samples with MCHC between 19.5 mmol/l and 22.7 mmol/l. Aggregation of and interference with measurement of white cells and platelets has not been observed.

Key Words:

• cold agglutinins
• Coulter Counter
• erythrocytes