Total nucleated cell and leukocyte differential counts in canine pleural and peritoneal fluid and equine synovial fluid samples: comparison of automated and manual methods.

The study explores the accuracy and reliability of using an automated machine (Abaxis VetScan HM5) to measure numbers of total nucleated cells in canine and equine fluid samples, compared to other automated methods and manual counts. Results suggest that the VetScan HM5 provides quick and reliable total nucleated cell count measurements, but its differential counts can be inaccurate, necessitating microscopic verification.

Research Objectives

• The researchers aimed to evaluate the trustworthiness and precision of canine and equine fluid total nucleated cell counts measured by the Abaxis VetScan HM5, through comparison with other automated instruments like ADVIA 120 and scil Vet abc.
• They also compared automated canine differential nucleated cell counts with manual counts.

Research Methods

• Total nucleated cell counts and differential counts in canine pleural and peritoneal, and equine synovial fluids were calculated using the VetScan HM5, then compared with results from the ADVIA 120 and Vet abc analyzer.
• Different statistical analyses including correlation, linear regression, Passing-Bablok regression, and Bland-Altman difference plots were utilized in analyzing the data.
• The precision of the total cell count produced by the VetScan HM5 was also determined.

Study Findings

• The study found excellent agreement, without any significant bias, for canine cavitary fluid total nucleated cell counts when comparing the VetScan HM5 with other methods.
• On the other hand, automated and manual differential counts showed less than half the variability explained by the regression model for individual cell types.
• For equine synovial fluid, the VetScan HM5’s measurements showed agreement with the Vet abc analyzer but had some bias, as VetScan HM5 tended to overstate total nucleated cell counts.
• The precision of VetScan HM5 in any of three fluid samples ranged from 2% to 31%.

Conclusion of the Research

• Overall, the Abaxis VetScan HM5 offers a quick and accurate method for determining total nucleated cell count in canine and equine fluid samples.
• However, for the differential nucleated cell count, the study recommends manual microscopic verification due to the frequent inaccuracies detected in the counts received from the VetScan HM5 and the ADVIA 120 for canine samples.