Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-4 | Issue-03 | 226-232
Original Research Article
Comparison between Morphological Typing of Anemia based on RBC Indices Obtained from an Automated Haematology Analyzer with Peripheral Blood Smear Examination
Meenu Venukumar, Suma M.T
Published : March 31, 2019
Abstract
The automated hematology analyzer providing CBC has become the keystone of modern hematology laboratories and
has replaced the traditional manual methods. Morphological typing of anemia is routinely done based on RBC indices
like MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW and also by peripheral smear examination. In this study morphological typing of
different types of anemia were done by indices obtained from automated analyzer and by peripheral smear and were
compared.400 cases of anemia were analyzed by sysmex XT 1800i analyzer and results compared and correlated. Out of
400 cases 351 cases showed a concordant typing and 49 cases showed a non-concordant typing and 12.25% of cases
required a peripheral smear review for the correct typing of anemia. The sensitivity and specificity of the sysmex XT
1800i analyzer were calculated as 97% and 91% respectively for the detection of microcytes, 96.5% and 97.5%
respectively for the detection of macrocytes and 91% and 90.5% respectively for the detection of normocytes. Most of
the non-concordant cases belonged to the category of normocytic normochromic anemia with raised RDW.
Morphological typing of anemia from the RBC indices and RDW showed a high sensitivity and specificity, except for
some cases with a raised RDW which required an additional peripheral smear examination for the correct typing. So
manual peripheral smear examination still holds important role in the modern laboratory practice as it provides us with
many information for the proper diagnosis and management.