Explore the vast range of titles available.

There are racial, ethnic and geographical differences in complete blood count (CBC) reference intervals (RIs) and therefore it is necessary to establish RIs that are population specific. Several studies have been carried out in Africa to derive CBC RIs but many were not conducted with the rigor recommended for RI studies hence limiting the adoption and generalizability of the results. By use of a Beckman Coulter ACT 5 DIFF CP analyser, we measured CBC parameters in samples collected from 528 healthy black African volunteers in a largely urban population. The latent abnormal values exclusion (LAVE) method was used for secondary exclusion of individuals who may have had sub-clinical diseases. The RIs were derived by both parametric and non-parametric methods with and without LAVE for comparative purposes. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were lower while platelet counts were higher in females across the 4 age stratifications. The lower limits for Hb and red blood cell parameters significantly increased after applying the LAVE method which eliminated individuals with latent anemia and inflammation. We adopted RIs by parametric method because 90% confidence intervals of the RI limits were invariably narrower than those by the non-parametric method. The male and female RIs for Hb after applying the LAVE method were 14.5-18.7 g/dL and 12.0-16.5 g/dL respectively while the platelet count RIs were 133-356 and 152-443 x10(3) per μL respectively. Consistent with other studies from Sub-Saharan Africa, Hb and neutrophil counts were lower than Caucasian values. Our finding of higher Hb and lower eosinophil counts compared to other studies conducted in rural Kenya most likely reflects the strict recruitment criteria and healthier reference population after secondary exclusion of individuals with possible sub-clinical diseases.

COVID-19 induces haemocytometric changes. Complete blood count changes, including new cell activation parameters, from 982 confirmed COVID-19 adult patients from 11 European hospitals were retrospectively analysed for distinctive patterns based on age, gender, clinical severity, symptom duration, and hospital days. The observed haemocytometric patterns formed the basis to develop a multi-haemocytometric-parameter prognostic score to predict, during the first three days after presentation, which patients will recover without ventilation or deteriorate within a two-week timeframe, needing intensive care or with fatal outcome. The prognostic score, with ROC curve AUC at baseline of 0.753 (95% CI 0.723–0.781) increasing to 0.875 (95% CI 0.806–0.926) on day 3, was superior to any individual parameter at distinguishing between clinical severity. Findings were confirmed in a validation cohort. Aim is that the score and haemocytometry results are simultaneously provided by analyser software, enabling wide applicability of the score as haemocytometry is commonly requested in COVID-19 patients.

Differential white blood cell counts are frequently used in diagnosis, patient stratification, and treatment selection to optimize therapy responses. Referral laboratories are often used but challenged with use of different hematology platforms, variable blood shipping times and storage conditions, and the different sensitivities of specific cell types. To extend the scientific literature and knowledge on the temporal commutability of blood samples between hematology analyzers, we performed a comparative ex-vivo study using four of the most utilized commercial platforms, focusing on the assessment of eosinophils given its importance in asthma management. Whole blood from healthy volunteers with and without atopy (n = 6+6) and participants with eosinophilic asthma (n = 6) were stored under different conditions (at 4, 20, 30, and 37°C, with or without agitation) and analyzed at different time points (3, 6, 24, 48 and 72h post-sampling) in parallel on the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire, Beckman Coulter DxH900, Siemens ADVIA 2120i and Sysmex XN-1000V. In the same blood samples, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), eosinophil activation and death markers were analyzed. All platforms gave comparable measurements of cell differentials on fresh blood within the same day of sampling. However, by 24 hours, significant temporal and temperature-dependent differences were observed, most markedly for eosinophils. None of the platforms performed perfectly across all temperatures tested during the 72 hours, showing that handling conditions should be optimized depending on the cell type of interest and the hematology analyzer. Neither disease status (healthy vs. asthma) nor agitation of the sample affected the cell quantification result or EDN release. The eosinophil activation markers measured by flow cytometry increased with time, were influenced by temperature, and were higher in those with asthma versus healthy participants. In conclusion, hematology analyzer, time window from sampling until analysis, and temperature conditions must be considered when analyzing blood cell differentials, particularly for eosinophils, via central labs to obtain counts comparable to the values obtained in freshly sampled blood.

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy induces numerous physiological changes, including hematologic adaptations, which affect complete blood count (CBC) parameters. Existing reference intervals for CBC are often based on non-pregnant populations, potentially limiting their clinical utility during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in CBC parameters throughout pregnancy in Korean women and to establish gestational age-specific reference intervals. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study, conducted between March and May 2025, included CBC tests consecutively performed on the same individuals at five time points: the first trimester (≤12 weeks), second trimester (13–28 weeks), third trimester (29–40 weeks), delivery day, and the second postpartum day. Additionally, to prevent duplication with the primary cohort, CBC data from pregnant outpatients and non-pregnant controls were also analyzed to establish reference intervals. CBC parameters were measured using an automated hematology analyzer. Reference intervals were established using the 2.5th and 97.5th percentile of the distribution. Results: During pregnancy, white blood cell (WBC) counts increased most significantly during the second trimester, while hemoglobin (Hgb) levels declined most markedly at this stage. Platelet (PLT) counts showed a consistent and progressive decline. The reference intervals for CBC parameters—WBC (×109/L), Hgb (g/dL), and PLT (×109/L)—were 5.11–12.14, 11.3–14.3, and 184–374 in the first trimester; 6.11–13.45, 10.1–13.3, and 164–356 in the second trimester; and 5.62–12.42, 10.1–14.1, and 145–349 in the third trimester, respectively. Conclusions: This study examined longitudinal changes in CBC parameters in Korean pregnant women and provided gestational age-specific reference intervals for CBC. This is expected to help clinicians interpret CBC results in pregnant women.

Microsystems represent an alternative but proficient approach of analysis outside the laboratory, and their use could help in reducing the impact of pre-analytical errors, in particular in challenging newborn samples. The study purpose is to compare the Horiba Microsemi CRP LC-767G system for rapid 3-part complete blood count (CBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) determination with the laboratory reference systems (respectively Sysmex XN-9100™ and Roche Cobas® c702) in samples of adult patients and newborns hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) samples. The comparison between the analyzers was performed through Passing-Bablok regression analysis and Bland–Altman plot. One hundred eighty-three blood samples were analyzed. The regression analysis results, performed in the newborn ( n  = 70) and in adult ( n  = 113) populations, showed a good agreement between the instruments. The evaluation of the Bland–Altman plots showed comparable values of bias < 10% for most of the parameters, but not for MPV, lymphocyte, and monocyte count. Conclusion : The comparison between the Microsemi CRP LC-767G system and the laboratory instrumentations demonstrated comparable results. The Microsemi CRP LC-767G system provides reliable analytical data and faster turnaround time, particularly useful in NICU. What is Known: • Microsystems for point-of-care testing (POCT) represent an alternative but proficient approach of analysis outside the laboratory, in order to perform a rapid, safe, and exhaustive evaluation for critical patients’ management, acting as a valid support for treatment in acute care. What is New: • The Microsemi CRP LC-767G system can represent an alternative but effective testing approach outside the laboratory, particularly in NICU, to reduce the impact of pre-analytical errors on newborn samples.

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the erythropoietin level and hematological variables in wrestlers after intermittent hypoxic exposure (IHE). Twelve wrestlers were assigned into two groups: hypoxia (sports training combined with IHE, n=6) and control (sports training, n=6). An IHE was performed for 10 days, with one day off after 6 days, once a day for about an hour. The concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and erythropoietin (EPO), as well as total creatine kinase activity (CK) were measured. Also, the hematological markers (Hb -hemoglobin, Ht - hematocrit, RBC - red blood cell, WBC - white blood cell, Ret - reticulocytes) were analyzed. The 6-day IHE caused an increase in the levels of H(2)O(2), NO and VEGF. Similarly, the EPO level and WBC count reached the highest value after 6 days of IHE. The total Ret number increase constantly during 10 days of IHE. The hypoxia group showed a higher CK activity compared to the control. In conclusion, 10-day IHE in combination with wrestling training elevates levels of H(2)O(2), NO and VEGF, and improves the oxygen transport capacity by the release of EPO and Ret in circulation.

A detailed reference range for complete blood count of healthy adults in the Western Sichuan Plateau region is unavailable. This study aimed to explore changes in complete blood count (CBC) in healthy adults across high-altitude regions of Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province, to establish altitude-specific reference intervals and improve diagnostic accuracy and provide tailored clinical guidance for residents in these areas. CBC data from 3,485 healthy individuals from four altitudes-Guza (1,400 m), Lucheng (2,500 m), Luhuo (3,200 m), and Litang (4,100 m)-were collected between January 2022 and December 2023. The data were analyzed by sex, altitude, age groups, and their interactions to establish reference intervals. CBC indicators showed significant changes with increasing altitude. Red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet (PLT) count all significantly increased as altitude rose (  < 0.05). Males had significantly higher RBC, WBC, and PLT counts than females across all altitudes (  < 0.05), except in Litang, where HCT and HGB differences between sexes were not significant (  < 0.05). With increasing age, RBC count, HCT, HGB, WBC count, and PLT count increased in both sexes. Most CBC indicators in the study population exceeded national reference intervals, except for HGB and HCT in males from Guza and Lucheng. This study established CBC reference intervals for the high-altitude regions of Ganzi Prefecture, revealing significant variations by altitude, sex, and age. These findings provide valuable insights for improving disease diagnosis and medical care for high-altitude residents.

Background Asthma is a common respiratory disease in children, and air pollution is a risk factor for pediatric asthma. However, how air pollution affects blood cells in pediatric patients with asthma remains unclear. Methods This retrospective observational study, performed in 2007–2018 at a medical center, enrolled non-trauma patients aged < 17 years who visited the emergency department and had asthma. Medical records and blood cell counts, including absolute neutrophil count (ANC), eosinophil count, and platelet count were extracted. The concentrations of PM 2.5 , PM 10 , sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and ozone (O 3 ) were measured from 11 air-monitoring stations in Kaohsiung City. Results One-unit increases in PM 2.5 (regression coefficient: 25.618; S.E.: 5.937; p  < 0.001), PM 10 (19.97; 3.541; p  < 0.001), NO2 (70.681; 15.857; p  < 0.001), SO 2 (81.694; 30.339; p  = 0.007), and O 3 (23.42; 8.831; p  = 0.022) on lag 0–6 (7 d average) correlated positively with ANC. One-unit increases in PM 2.5 (0.859; 0.357; p  = 0.016), PM 10 (0.728; 0.213; p  = 0.001), and SO 2 (4.086; 1.811; p  = 0.024) on lag 0–6 correlated positively with eosinophil count. Additionally, one-unit increases in PM 2.5 (0.302; 0.101; p  = 0.003) and PM 10 (0.229; 0.06; p  < 0.001) on lag 0–6 correlated positively with platelet count. In a two-pollutant model, the impacts of PM 2.5 and PM C on ANC and platelet count remained statistically significant after adjusting for other air pollutants. Additionally, PM C correlated significantly with eosinophil count after adjusting for PM 2.5 , NO 2 , SO 2 , and O 3 . Quartile increases in PM 2.5 and PM C levels correlated positively with ANC, eosinophil count, and platelet count (all p for trend < 0.05). Conclusions PM 2.5 , PM C , and NO 2 were independently and positively associated with ANC, PM C was positively associated with eosinophil count, and PM 2.5 and PM C were positively associated with platelet count in pediatric patients with asthma. Our results highlight the relationship between air pollution and blood cell counts in pediatric patients with asthma.

Background To compare the Mindray BC‐5180 and Sysmex XN‐1000 instruments by analyzing the results of complete blood count in the external quality assessment in Shandong Province in 2018. Methods In the external quality assessment, 10 batches of quality control materials were issued throughout the year. The test items were WBC, RBC, Hb, PLT, and HCT. The laboratories using Mindray BC‐5180 and Sysmex XN‐1000 were screened, and the results were analyzed by t test, Passing‐Bablok regression analysis, and Bland‐Altman analysis. Results Thirty‐six laboratories using Mindray BC‐5180 instruments and thirty‐six laboratories using Sysmex XN‐1000 instruments were screened, and the average difference between the two instruments results is not significant (P > 0.05, t test). Passing‐Bablok regression analysis showed that the 95% confidence interval of the regression equation interception of each test item included 0, and the 95% confidence interval of the slope contained 1, r > 0.98, which showed that the correlation is good. The Bland‐Altman analysis showed that both instruments had more than 95% of the points within the 95% consistency limit (WBC97.2%, RBC95.6%, PLT97.2%, Hb96.7%, HCT97.5%). Within the consistency limit, the absolute value of the difference between the Mindray BC‐5180 instrument and the Sysmex XN‐1000 instrument is WBC 0.14%, RBC 0.26%, PLT 2.7%, and Hb 1.9%. HCT is 0.69%, and the difference is clinically acceptable. Conclusion It can be considered that the two instruments have good correlation and consistency, and the two instruments can replace each other.

- A novel automated slide-based approach to the complete blood count and white blood cell differential count is introduced. - To present proof of concept for an image-based approach to complete blood count, based on a new slide preparation technique. A preliminary data comparison with the current flow-based technology is shown. - A prototype instrument uses a proprietary method and technology to deposit a precise volume of undiluted peripheral whole blood in a monolayer onto a glass microscope slide so that every cell can be distinguished, counted, and imaged. The slide is stained, and then multispectral image analysis is used to measure the complete blood count parameters. Images from a 600-cell white blood cell differential count, as well as 5000 red blood cells and a variable number of platelets, that are present in 600 high-power fields are made available for a technologist to view on a computer screen. An initial comparison of the basic complete blood count parameters was performed, comparing 1857 specimens on both the new instrument and a flow-based hematology analyzer. - Excellent correlations were obtained between the prototype instrument and a flow-based system. The primary parameters of white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts resulted in correlation coefficients (r) of 0.99, 0.99, and 0.98, respectively. Other indices included hemoglobin (r = 0.99), hematocrit (r = 0.99), mean cellular volume (r = 0.90), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (r = 0.97), and mean platelet volume (r = 0.87). For the automated white blood cell differential counts, r values were calculated for neutrophils (r = 0.98), lymphocytes (r = 0.97), monocytes (r = 0.76), eosinophils (r = 0.96), and basophils (r = 0.63). - Quantitative results for components of the complete blood count and automated white blood cell differential count can be developed by image analysis of a monolayer preparation of a known volume of peripheral blood.