Red Blood Cell Histogram and Indices Obtained through Automated Hematology Analyzer and Comparing it with Manual Blood Film Examination

Background: In current scenario, using an automated haematology analyzer in a haematology laboratory is both a routine and an important need. Anemia is a common ailment around the world, and there is a growing need to diagnose and treat it, since it can lead to a slew of consequences in the long term.

Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity of red blood cell histogram and indices acquired using an automated haematology analyzer to manual blood film inspection in anaemia patients.

Material and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in Gujarat, at the Central Hematology Laboratory of the Pathology Department. Thirty patients with anaemia who visited several departments for various reasons were included in the study. Data on demographics and laboratory results were gathered. Epi info software was used to do the analysis.

Results: The study comprised a total of 130 patients who met the WHO criteria for anaemia diagnosis. The sensitivity of the histogram was found to be 87.6% in our research. The sensitivity and specificity of the red blood cell histogram and indices for microcytic hypochormic anaemia were 94.2 percent and 63.1 percent, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the red blood cell histogram and indices for normocytic anaemia were 96.7 percent and 49.1 percent, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the red blood cell histogram and indices for macrocytic anaemia were 98.2 percent and 90.3 percent, respectively.

Conclusion: The study found that while automated haematology analyzers' red blood cell histograms and indices are beneficial for initial screening and provide an overall picture of the type of anaemia, manual blood film examination remains the gold standard test for final diagnosis and confirmation