IntroductionThe XN-550 is a new, automated, compact, haematology analyser designed to generate a full blood count with a standard 5-part white blood cell differential and an immature granulocyte count, reticulocyte and optical platelet counts. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of the XN-550 and compare it to the established XN-20 system.
MethodsWe evaluated the basic parameter and special measurement channels of the XN-550, using the XN-20 (which has a similar operating system), as a reference analyser. Precision, carryover and throughput evaluations were performed. In addition a total of 202 samples including normal controls and various pathological samples were studied for comparability.
ResultsGood correlations with the reference analyser were obtained for all parameters expect basophils. The XN-550 offers impedance and optical platelet counts and the latter showed a better correlation and less scatter, than the impedance count and was comparable to the XN-20 fluorescent count at platelet counts ≤40x10 9 /L. Precision was good and no significant carryover was detected.
ConclusionsThe XN-550 was simple and easy to use, while maintaining the good diagnostic sensitivity seen with high range systems such as the XN-20, making this compact device suitable for near-patient services and smaller satellite laboratories.