Hematological parameters: is there a difference between those released by the hematological analyzer and to the customer?

ABSTRACT

Objective

This study aimed to compare the hematological parameters released by hematological analyzers with those released in customer reports.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive study in the laboratories of a medium-sized municipality in the state of Minas Gerais registered in the National Register of Health Establishments. Interviews were conducted using a questionnaire to obtain information regarding the parameters released by the analyzers and those available in the customer’s report.

Results

Sixteen laboratories were evaluated, and none of them released all the parameters obtained from the hematological analyzers to customers. The red blood cell distribution width was released in 88% of the laboratories, atypical lymphocytes in 70%, mean platelet volume in 50%, platelet distribution width and platelet count in 20%. No laboratory released information on reticulocytes, fraction of immature reticulocytes and immature granulocytes, nucleated erythrocyte count, immature platelet fraction and reticulocyte hemoglobin, and large platelet rate.

Conclusion

All evaluated clinical analysis laboratories had at least one parameter that was not released in the customer’s report despite being released by the hematological analyzers. The lack of knowledge on the part of professionals about the clinical importance of each parameter of the complete blood count results in a loss in patient assessment, and it is important to include these parameters in the complete blood count report.

Blood cell count; Erythrocyte indices; Reticulocyte; Platelets; Laboratory equipment; Laboratories; Surveys and questionnaires

In Brief

Pinto et al. demonstrated that although most hematological analyzers release additional blood count parameters (platelet volume and reticulocyte indices) that are important in the diagnosis of several diseases, they are not released in the client’s report. Therefore, expanding our knowledge and implementing these parameters in the complete blood count is essential.

Highlights

Recent automated hematology analyzers provide additional parameters to the complete blood count.

Sixteen laboratories of a medium-sized municipality of Minas Gerais were interviewed.

No laboratory released all parameters obtained from the hematological analyzers to the customer.

Expanding our knowledge and implementing these parameters in complete blood counts is essential