Workflow

Confidence in Hematology, Results with Beckman Coulter

Wallace Coulter, one of the founders of Beckman Coulter, was motivated by a belief that science should serve humanity. This was the inspiration behind the principle he invented that became the basis for all blood counting solutions. This same drive to keep the science of hematology moving forward is behind Beckman Coulter's new ©Automated Intelligent Morphology© (AIM), a multidimensional, high-definition flow cytometric technology that improves analysis of abnormal specimens. AIM is the only technology currently available that relies solely upon morphologic features to recognize cells.

The UniCel DxH 2401 analyses up to 300 samples and 140 slides per hour.

All labs can benefit from Beckman Coulter's AIM technology, which delivers performance, low review rates and first past accuracy in results reporting. Delivering greater sensitivity through advanced technology improves the detection of abnormalities, saving time, speeding results and streamlining workflow.

Standardised results

The new technology is incorporated into all Beckman Coulter's cellular analysis systems - the Beckman Coulter UniCel DxH 800 and 600 Coulter Cellular Analysis Systems, as well as the new DxH 500 analyser – with results standardised and consistent across a range of facilities. The instruments use only five reagents for all analyses, including NRBC and reticulocytes, saving costs by reducing inventory management.

The introduction of the new UniCel DxH Series of connected hematology workcells* further streamlines workflow. With connectivity, samples are loaded at one or more entry point allowing workloads to be more evenly distributed among the modules. This boosts uptime over the life of the analysers.

Each workcell can comprise up to three DxH 800 modules and one Slidemaker Slidestainer (the UniCel DxH 2401) to form scalable and customised workflow solutions. At peak performance, the UniCel DxH 2401 configuration can analyse up to 300 samples and 140 slides per hour.

Workflow automation

In addition, the DxH Workcell's unique bi-directional sample transport system automatically distributes samples between the analysers, reducing potential delays in sample testing and the reporting of results. Critical STAT samples or body fluids can be added while the system is running, without the need to interrupt routine sample testing. Additionally, the Single Aspiration Pathway on the DxH 800, DxH 600 and the DxH Slidemaker Stainer (SMS) eliminates time consuming mode-to-mode calibration issues.

User-defined decision rules for auto-rerun and reflex testing further improve workflow and reduce turnaround time (TAT).
The latest DxH data information management system consolidates order entries, and is able to manage sample review data for up to 90,000 results. For Quality Control management, it provides storage capacity for 30 control files, each with 150 runs per instrument.

Detecting and counting abnormal cells, particularly if they occur
in low frequency, depends on the quality of the blood films produced. The inclusion of the automated Beckman Coulter DxH Slidemaker Stainer (SMS) in the workcell enables user defined decision rules drive automated slide preparation and staining, without the need for manual intervention. This delivers a more reliable and consistent smear quality regardless of the blood consistency.

The SMS incorporates LEAN design principles, is easy to configure and requires minimal maintenance. It is simple to make and stain smears from:

• Capped whole blood sample tubes (via automatic cassette or single-tube mode)
• Open-top tubes (single-tube mode)
• Paediatric whole blood sample tubes (via automatic cassette or single-tube mode)

Innovative solutions in addition to traditional cellular analysis provide labs with the option of handling the white blood count (WBC) differential through Beckman Coulter's exclusive HematoFlow technology.* This uses multi-colour monoclonal antibody technology coupled with flow cytometric analysis to accurately count cells that cannot be identified by conventional hematology analysers or even morphological examination.

Beckman Coulter's hematology solutions empower labs to:

• Increase workflow efficiency
• Improve first pass review
• Reduce manual differentials and slide reviews
• Reduce turnaround time
• Improve sample handling
• Save time with electronic QC submission
• Free up highly skilled staff to focus on more essential tasks
• Accommodate multiple tube sizes
• Deliver high quality results
• Reduce overall costs

Over the last 60 years, the company's scientific leadership and legacy of advancing hematology innovation has empowered laboratories of all sizes. Beckman Coulter solutions deliver technology that lowers manual review rates, provides true standardisation, optimises end-to-end workflow and increases efficiency. These solutions aid faster and better diagnostics, providing clinicians with the information they need to make treatment decisions earlier and with more confidence – to the overall benefit of the patient.

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*The UniCel DxH Connected Workcell and HematoFlow are not available in all geographies.

21.07.2015