Abstract
BackgroundSeveral small studies showed that the WPC (white precursor cell) channel in the Sysmex haematology analyser for leukocyte differentiation analysis leads to a significant reduction of microscopic blood smears. We determined the added value of the WPC channel for blood smear reduction in a large teaching hospital and whether this reduction was cost-effective and save. MethodsRetrospectively, for 7850 leukocyte differentiation orders the percentage of samples resulting in a WPC analysis and the outcomes of the WPC analysis were analysed and compared with the blood smear results. ResultsWPC analysis resulted in a 12% reduction of blood smears, which is much lower than observed in other studies. This means 3–4bloodsmears/day less of a total of 28smears/day at the expense of missing 14 patient samples with pathology (blasts or abnormal lymphocytes) in a 9weeks period. The estimated total costs of WPC analysis per year was more than the reduction in costs due to less blood smear reviews. ConclusionsIn a large teaching hospital, the small reduction in blood smears by the WPC channel does not outweigh the costs and the slight reduction in sensitivity for pathology.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
