Complete analytical and diagnostic performances of the Abbott Cell Dyn 3500.

METHODS: The study reports the analytical and diagnostic performances of Cell Dyn 3500 (Abbott), an automated haematology analyser that provides the electrical impedance and the optical detection of total leukocyte and a five population leukocyte differential count. The evaluation of complete blood count and differential leukocyte count parameters was performed following the guidelines of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology and those of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document H20-A. RESULTS: The CD 3500 demonstrated a good linearity, minimal carry-over, as well as acceptable levels of within and between-batch imprecision and stability. An excellent correlation between CD 3500 and the routine systems used in our laboratory (Technicon H*2 and Coulter STKS) was found for the major haematological indices, though agreement was not as good for MCHC. There was a good correlation between CD 3500 and manual reference differential method for neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils, with the exception of monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding clinical sensitivity, the CD 3500 showed a high specificity to detect morphological abnormalities, but low sensitivity especially for the identification of immature granulocytes and nucleated red blood cells; if we overall evaluate any qualitative flags, we found an appreciable increase in sensitivity.