Evaluation of the Microsemi LC‐662 Hematology Analyzer for Dog and Cat Blood Specimens

Abstract

Accurate platelet count measurement with point-of-care testing (POCT) using an automated impedance-based hematology analyzer is difficult, particularly in cats. Microsemi LC-662 (LC) is a new POCT automated impedance-based hematology analyzer for use in veterinary clinics. In this study, we compared the performance of POCT analyzers LC and Celltac a (Ca) with Sysmex XT-2000iV (XT) in measuring hematological variables in dogs and cats. To cope with the delayed measurement of complete blood count (CBC), which can occur in clinics, we also determined the storage effects on hematological data collected using LC. Blood samples from healthy dogs and cats (nine dogs and five cats), as well as from dogs and cats that were brought to our hospital (90 dogs and 62 cats), were included in the study. To study the storage effects on hematological data, we used nine healthy dogs and five healthy cats. In dogs, platelet counts measured using LC and Ca were highly correlated with those measured using XT. In cats, platelet counts measured using LC were highly correlated with those measured using XT; however, platelet counts measured using only Ca were moderately correlated with those measured using XT. Both time and temperature effects on CBC data were assessed for stored blood. Prolonged storage and low temperature resulted in significantly decreased platelet counts and increased white blood cell counts in both dogs and cats.