A Comparison Of Manual Hemocytometry And Different Modes Of Mindray BC-6800 Hematology Analyzer For Cell Count In Peritoneal And Pleural Fluids

Objective: Total white blood cell (WBC) count in body fluids (BF) is important in diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. We aimed to compare hemogram and BF modes of Mindray BC-6800 hematology analyzer with the manual hemocytometry method for determination of total WBC count in peritoneal and pleural fluids. Method: Our study consisted of a total of 143 specimens, 109 peritoneal fluid and 34 pleural effusion fluid. Each sample was analyzed consecutively twice, first with the manual method and, later with both hemogram mode and the BF mode of Mindray BC-6800 automated hematology analyzer. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between manual count and hemogram mode (for peritoneal fluids p< 0.001, for pleural fluids p< 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the hemogram mode and BF mode too. (for peritoneal fluids p< 0.001, for pleural fluids p< 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the manual count and BF mode (for peritoneal fluids p=0.236, for pleural fluids p=0.627). Less than100 cells/mL, there was a statistically significant difference between each of the counting methods (Manual count vs hemogram mode p< 0.001, manual count vs BF mode p= 0.012, hemogram mode vs BF mode p< 0.001). More than 100 cells/mL, there was no statistically significant difference between manual count and the BF mode (p= 0.332). However, there were statistically significant differences between manual count and hemogram mode, and hemogram mode and BF mode (p= 0.003 and p< 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: The use of manual method instead of hematology analyzer is more convenient in samples <100 cells/mL, and BF mode may be used as a screening tool in samples >100 cells/mL.