Performance evaluation of a hematology blood counter with five-part leukocyte differential capability.

The summarized data and other studies to date indicate that performance of the Pentra 60 is comparable to other hematology analyzers for all CBC and 5-Diff parameters. Comparative studies indicate good correlation for all the reportable CBC parameters, lymphocyte counts, and neutrophil counts with 24 hr stability on blood samples. Good intermethod correlations on monocyte and eosinophil counts were observed. Only basophil counts showed poor intermethod correlations, but this is expected on a statistical basis, and the counts are similar to those reported for other hematology analyzer performance studies. The combination of the MDSS and stepper motor fluidic system allows for low-volume blood sampling, compact size, and low operational noise level. The Pentra 60 is well suited for physician's office laboratories, medical clinics, small- or medium-size hospitals with less than 100 CBCs per day, and larger hospitals or reference laboratories that need back-up for a high-end automated hematology analyzer.