HEMATOLOGY ANALYZERs TYPICALLY USED IN CONTROLLED LABORATORY CONDITIONS
Currently, there are various automated methods available for determination of platelet counts, with the majority mainly performed in controlled laboratory conditions. Moreover, several point-of-care (PoC) hematology analyzers have been tested in research and clinical settings providing complete blood cell (CBC) measurements including platelet counts. Automated hematology analyzers need trained personnel for maintenance and require frequent cleaning. Therefore haematology analysers are less suited for Point of Care applications.
hematology analyzerS for counting platelets
Platelet count can be altered by various diseases and treatments and measuring it may provide better insight into the expected outcome. So far, quantification of platelet count is done within laboratory conditions by using established hematology analyzer equipment. Outside clinical laboratories point-of-care devices, like the PC100 platelet counter, could offer a more practical solution that can be executed without extensive training, cleaning or maintenance.
HEMATOLOGY ANALYZERS FOR COUNTING PLATELETS IN WHOLE BLOOD. NOT IN CONCENTRATED PRP.
However, these hematology analyzers are focused on performing platelet counts in whole blood samples, and not on platelet rich plasma (PRP) samples which may contain an extreme high platelet count. In regenerative medicine, PRP with a tremendous number of platelets can be used and hence a reliable platelet counter with the capability of measuring these extreme platelet counts would be favorable.
THE PC100 POINT OF CARE AUTOMATED PLATELET COUNTER
The PC100 automated platelet counter has been developed with the intended use of being a point-of-care device used outside of laboratory for measuring platelet count. The PC100 is an optical platelet counter using a patented optical imaging technique that enables the precise quantification of platelets, even at extremely high and extremely low concentrations.
PC100 VERSUS AUTOMATED HEMATOLOGY ANALYSERS for counting platelets
Together with the Maastricht UMC+, Clinical Thrombosis & Hemostasis Department in the Netherlands we evaluated the performance of the PC100 automated platelet counter for platelet counts in whole blood and platelet count in platelet rich plasma (PRP). The main conclusion of this research is that the PC100 platelet counter can be used interchangeably with commercial hematology analyzers for determining platelet counts as it also provides reliable and accurate results. The strength of the PC100 is that it combines fast and accurate platelet count results with an easy procedure that can be executed with limited training without extensive maintenance or cleaning.
