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Identification of neoplastic cells in blood using the Sysmex XT‐2000iV: a preliminary step in the diagnosis of canine leukemia
Author(s) -
Gelain Maria Elena,
Rossi Gabriele,
Giori Luca,
Comazzi Stefano,
Paltrinieri Saverio
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
veterinary clinical pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.537
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1939-165X
pISSN - 0275-6382
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-165x.2010.00214.x
Subject(s) - hematology analyzer , leukemia , hematology , pathology , acute leukemia , medicine , nuclear medicine
Background: Classification of leukemias requires specialized diagnostic techniques. Automated preliminary indicators of neoplastic cells in blood would expedite selection of appropriate tests. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the capacity of the Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzer to identify neoplastic cells in canine blood samples. Methods: Blood samples ( n =160) were grouped into 5 categories: acute leukemia ( n =30), chronic leukemia ( n =15), neoplasia without blood involvement ( n =41), non‐neoplastic reactive conditions ( n =31), and healthy dogs ( n =43). WBC counts, WBC flags, scattergrams, percentages of cells with high fluorescence intensity, and percentages of cells in the lysis‐resistant region were evaluated alone or in combination to establish a “leukemic flag.” Sensitivity, specificity, negative (LR−) and positive (LR+) likelihood ratios, and the number of false‐negative (FN) and false‐positive (FP) results were calculated, and receiver operating characteristic curves were designed for numerical values. Results: Among single measurements and parameters, only the evaluation of scattergrams minimized FN and FP results (sensitivity 100%, specificity 94.8%, LR+ 19.17, and LR− 0.00), although their interpretation was subjective. The more objective approach based on the generation of a “leukemic flag” had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 87.0%, LR− of 0.00, and LR+ of 7.67. Conclusion: Using a novel gating strategy the Sysmex XT‐2000iV may be used effectively to screen canine blood for hematopoietic neoplasia.