| In clinical haematology, haematopoieses is the | | | | efficient process. Diagnoses of many blood |
| normal part of the analytical procedure. The | | | | diseases can be ascertained in a matter of |
| breaking down and separation of the components | | | | minutes using the hematology analyser. |
| of whole human blood can be achieved using a | | | | White blood cells, or WBC's, are the protectors of |
| variety of methods, and the newer haematology | | | | our bodies within the blood. They combat disease |
| analysers used today are advancing in technology | | | | and infection, and without them, we would not |
| to make manual counting of blood components | | | | survive. Many diseases can be diagnosed using a |
| unnecessary. | | | | haematology analyser by examining the types of |
| A haematology analyser uses many methods for | | | | WBC's present in the whole blood samples of |
| counting human blood components, red blood cells, | | | | humans. A normal white blood cell count in a male |
| white blood cells, thrombocytes or platelets, and | | | | human should be from three to 10 per thousand |
| other species of cells that are common in human | | | | cells, and any deviation from this is cause for |
| blood. Red blood cells have morphologies that can | | | | alarm. Haematology analysers can count, |
| indicate disease or other health issues, so having | | | | accurately, the WBC's present in a known volume |
| an instrument for detecting these subtle changes | | | | of aspirated human blood. |
| is paramount for the diagnostician. Certain anemias | | | | Morphology of the WBC's is also an important |
| can be detected with today's haematology | | | | parameter in which these analysers can provide. |
| analysers. | | | | Normal differential peripheral blood smears were |
| Anemias are dysfunction in the red blood cells | | | | usually done manually in the past, but now can be |
| production. This can be evident in the size, shape, | | | | accurately ascertained using the haematology |
| and hemoglobin content of each red blood cell | | | | instrument. The sizes of the nucleus of cells are |
| (RBC). RBC's are analysed for these parameters | | | | detected using a particle-sizing instrument that can |
| within a hematology analyser by sorting them | | | | accurately determine the size and shape of the |
| through a tiny aperture, which allows only one cell | | | | cells being tested. |
| at a time to flow. An electronic charge field | | | | Red blood cells are also examined in this way |
| surrounds the aperture, and as the cell flows | | | | because certain shapes of the cells can indicate |
| through the opening, the charge is disrupted, | | | | diseases or defects in the blood system. Having |
| causing microvolt changes, which can be calculated | | | | an accurate and efficient analyser is so vital that |
| by computer software. | | | | they are found in every clinical and medical |
| Different sized cells cause a unique charge in the | | | | laboratory around the world. Veterinarians also |
| aperture. Shapes can also be determined in this | | | | use these systems for animal blood testing, as |
| manner, such as poikilocytosis, or the major | | | | animal also procure diseases and have disorders |
| dissimilar shaping of RBC's. Anisocytosis, or | | | | which can wreak havoc with their health. Without |
| different sized cells, are detected at the same | | | | the indubitable analyser in the clinical laboratory |
| time as the unique shaped cells. This has | | | | setting, many samples would be slow to results, |
| developed into a highly advanced and technically | | | | and accuracy may be compromised. |