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Review
. 2022 Sep 1;42(5):515-530.
doi: 10.3343/alm.2022.42.5.515.

Unreliable Automated Complete Blood Count Results: Causes, Recognition, and Resolution

Gene Gulati  1 , Guldeep Uppal  1 , Jerald Gong  1
Affiliations
Review

Unreliable Automated Complete Blood Count Results: Causes, Recognition, and Resolution

Gene Gulati et al. Ann Lab Med. .

Abstract

Automated hematology analyzers generate accurate complete blood counts (CBC) results on nearly all specimens. However, every laboratory encounters, at times, some specimens that yield no or inaccurate result(s) for one or more CBC parameters even when the analyzer is functioning properly and the manufacturer's instructions are followed to the letter. Inaccurate results, which may adversely affect patient care, are clinically unreliable and require the attention of laboratory professionals. Laboratory professionals must recognize unreliable results, determine the possible cause(s), and be acquainted with the ways to obtain reliable results on such specimens. We present a concise overview of the known causes of unreliable automated CBC results, ways to recognize them, and means commonly utilized to obtain reliable results. Some examples of unreliable automated CBC results are also illustrated. Pertinent analyzer-specific information can be found in the manufacturers' operating manuals.

Keywords: Automated analyzer; Blood cell counts; Problem solving; Specimen handling.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare.

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