Lymphocyte counting by cell size distribution analysis of leucocytes compared with conventional blood film differential count

Abstract

The fourteen parameter Coulter Counter S-Plus IV automated haematology analyser includes the innovative capability of calculating the percentage and number of lymphocytes in the leucocyte population. These features have been evaluated. The percentage of lymphocytes (LYP) correlates well to that of the conventional blood film differential count (CDC) and the reproducibility and linearity is excellent. The reproducibility exceeds that of the CDC and it is proposed that with a few safeguards the accuracy also is superior. The reason for possible erroneous LYPs are discussed and the safeguards to detect them are described. It is suggested that in cases where information on the percentage of lymphocytes (or granulocytes) is sufficient the CC LYP may replace the CDC. Use of LYP may reduce the number of CDCs to be performed by 50-75%.

Key Words:

• Coulter Counter
• differential count of leucocytes
• lymphocyte count