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Evaluation of schistocyte analysis by a novel automated digital cell morphology application
Author(s) -
Hervent A.S.,
Godefroid M.,
Cauwelier B.,
Billiet J.,
Emmerechts J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of laboratory hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.705
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1751-553X
pISSN - 1751-5521
DOI - 10.1111/ijlh.12363
Subject(s) - morphology (biology) , computer science , computational biology , biology , zoology
Summary Introduction The CellaVision Advanced Red Blood Cell ( RBC ) Software Application is a new software for advanced morphological analysis of RBC , which automatically performs a preliminary characterization and grouping of RBC into 21 morphological categories, including schistocytes. Upon automated classification, the software offers the possibility of reclassification of RBC by the operator. The aim of this study was to evaluate the schistocyte analysis by the CellaVision Advanced RBC Application. Methods Schistocyte counts were evaluated comparing the automated count on a CellaVision DM 96, both before and after reclassification, with the reference manual microscopic method according to the ICSH criteria. Thirty‐six samples of hospitalized patients and 40 samples of controls were analyzed. Results Within‐run, between‐run and between‐observer coefficients of variation were lower when counted with the CellaVision compared to the manual microscopic count. The very high sensitivity but rather poor specificity implicates the need for reclassification by the operator, following automated analysis. After reclassification, method comparison studies revealed good agreement with the manual microscopic method, with however slightly higher values of schistocytes for the automated analysis. Conclusion The CellaVision Advanced RBC Software Application provides a sensitive and reproducible measurement of schistocytes in peripheral blood, but still requires manual revision. Furthermore, it is an easy‐to‐use software and an excellent teaching tool that might contribute to standardization in the investigation of schistocyte‐related conditions.