Body fluid analysis by 'Automated' Sysmex XN 1000 – The way ahead

Abstract

Body fluids are those excreted or secreted from the body. In the laboratory, the use of the term “body fluids” designates a category that excludes blood and urine. Determining the etiologic cause of fluid accumulation in various body cavities (i.e., joints, chest, and abdomen) is critical for proper treatment of various disorders. To evaluate the correlation and agreement of leucocyte and erythrocyte count in body fluids among Improved Neubauer Chamber and automated method using Sysmex XN-1000 body fluid module. A total of 500 routinely collected body fluid samples (CSF, ascitic fluid, pericardial fluid and pleural fluid) were included in the study. Total WBC counts were performed manually using improved Neubauer chamber and microscopic differential counts were performed using Leishman stained slides. Corresponding results of Sysmex XN-1000 body fluid module analysis were matched to these particular count categories. Absolute WBC cell counts showed a high correlation and agreement between methods (r> 0.9, p value=<0.001). However, a fair correlation existed between the lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil percentage measured through the two methods (r= 0.436 and r=0.447 respectively, p < 0.001). Body fluid module application of Sysmex XN-1000 serves as an acceptable alternative to manual method for measuring the total nucleated cell counts and for total RBC count. However, it cannot be recommended as a suitable alternative for manual differential cytologic workup. Keywords: Sysmex XN 1000, Body fluid analysis, Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, Improved Neubauer Chamber