Automated cell count in body fluids: a review

Body fluid cell counting provides valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions. Chamber cell count and cellularity analysis by optical microscopy are considered the gold-standard method for cell counting. However, this method has a long turnaround time and limited...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advances in Laboratory Medicine / Avances en Medicina de Laboratorio 2021-06, Vol.2 (2), p.149-161
Main Authors: Alcaide Martín, María José, Altimira Queral, Laura, Sahuquillo Frías, Laura, Valiña Amado, Laura, Merino, Anna, García de Guadiana-Romualdo, Luis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
automated cell count
body fluids
chamber count
optical microscopy
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Summary:Body fluid cell counting provides valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions. Chamber cell count and cellularity analysis by optical microscopy are considered the gold-standard method for cell counting. However, this method has a long turnaround time and limited reproducibility, and requires highly-trained personnel. In the recent decades, specific modes have been developed for the analysis of body fluids. These modes, which perform automated cell counting, are incorporated into hemocytometers and urine analyzers. These innovations have been rapidly incorporated into routine laboratory practice. At present, a variety of analyzers are available that enable automated cell counting for body fluids. Nevertheless, these analyzers have some limitations and can only be operated by highly-qualified laboratory professionals. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant automated cell counters currently available for body fluids, the interpretation of the parameters measured by these analyzers, their main analytical features, and the role of optical microscopy as automated cell counters gain ground.
ISSN:2628-491X
2628-491X
DOI:10.1515/almed-2021-0011