Are There Any Breakthrough Technologies Transforming Hematology Analyzers and Reagents?

By Pravin Kad Last updated Jun 28, 2023

The evolution of hematology analyzers over the years is an interesting topic to discuss. It was all initiated in 1852, with blood count done by spreading a blood sample on a slide, and blood cells were counted manually. This was the first quantitative determination of blood components and was invented by Karl Vierordt; a physiologist from Tübingen.

Today hematology analyzers have become highly sophisticated, due to their most accurate and faster results. Let’s take a quick look at understanding the types, innovations, and major players in hematology analyzers.

What are Hematology Analyzers and Reagents and Their Applications?

Hematology analyzers and reagents are the most extensively used equipment for clinical testing in hospitals. There are two main types of hematology analyzers, one for human blood and another for animal blood, which is useful for veterinarians, zoos, and research labs. Here are some major applications of hematology analyzers and reagents.

Hematology Analyzer

A hematology analyzer is a tool that is used to run tests on blood samples. They are often used in the medical field to count white blood cells, reticulocyte analysis, coagulation tests, and complete blood counts.

According to the different objects used in analyzer manufacturing, it can be used in two other mechanisms for humans and animals. The hardware in both devices is the same; the difference is in the software. In simple words, the algorithms and reference ranges for blood are different. It is remarkable that the veterinary hematology analyzer is not suitable for all types of animals.

Hematology Reagents

Hematology reagents are substances that are used to perform qualitative and quantitative (or specified one) morphology analysis of the blood cells.

Hematology reagents are also essential in the use of a hematology analyzer. Diluents, cleaning solutions, concentrated cleaning solutions, and hemolytic agents are the main hematology reagents. These are used with analyzers for better clear analysis. Here are the functions of each type of reagent.

● Hemolytic agent

To determine the WBC count from blood samples, it destroys RBC and ensures the WBC count. It also performs WBC classification and detects hemoglobin.

● Diluent

The diluent allows diluted blood samples to be analyzed for red blood cells and platelets. Diluents can help distinguish hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and more. It is also used to maintain the volume and shape of cells and form a supportive environment.

● Cleaning solution and concentrated cleaning solution

These are detergent solutions used for the regular automated cleaning, rinsing, and washing of pipes, needles, and counting pools.

What are the Advanced Types of Hematology Analyzers?

A hematology analyzer is an essential tool for medical professionals to analyze and monitor various blood-related disorders. These machines are designed to perform tests on blood samples, including CBC, blood smear analysis, and differential cell count. Hematology analyzers use several techniques to analyze blood samples. Here are the two types of hematology analyzers based on manufacturing advancements.

3-Part Hematology Analyzer

A 3-part hematology analyzer examines blood samples and determines the characteristics and number of different types of blood cells. As the name implies, this type of analyzer measures the blood cell count of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

This type of analyzer usually provides fast and efficient analysis of blood samples. It analyzes and monitors various blood-related disorders, such as anemia, certain types of cancers, and infections. The analyzer also can be used to diagnose specific health conditions by providing details about the distribution of different types of blood cells present in the blood.

One of the benefits of using a 3-part hematology analyzer is that it is user-friendly, convenient, and easy to operate. This analyzer is suitable for smaller clinics and laboratories as it is relatively low in price as compared to other types of hematology analyzers.

5- Part Hematology Analyzer

It is a more advanced machine and provides a better comprehensive analysis of blood samples than a 3-part hematology analyzer. As the name implies, a 5-part hematology analyzer measures the characteristics and count of five different types of blood cells: red blood cells, neutrophils, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets.

Additionally, the 5-part analyzer measures the count and characteristics of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Lymphocytes and neutrophils are types of white blood cells that play a crucial role in the body’s immune system. Neutrophils defend the body against infections and lymphocytes defend against viruses and other foreign bacterial enemies.

This analyzer provides a more comprehensive analysis of blood samples, which can help diagnose and monitor various blood-related disorders, such as lymphoma, leukemia, and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, it delivers a more accurate and precise analysis of blood samples.

Government Initiatives That are Shaping the Landscape of Hematology Analyzers

The demand for hematology analyzers and reagents is rising due to their increased use in several sectors such as hospitals and diagnostic centers, blood bank centers, and many more. Manufacturers of hematology analyzers are majorly focusing on the development of new features, which will assist them in increasing their revenue and staying competitive.

Some significant initiatives in hematology analyzers and reagents carried out by governments worldwide are listed below.

In Feb 2011, Mindray received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for marketing and selling the Mindray BC-3600 Auto Hematology Analyzer. This analyzer is designed for small and mid-volume hematology laboratories to fulfill their testing needs.
In March 2018, S. FDA cleared Roche’s Cobas m 511 hematology analyzer.
PixCell Medical Technologies Lmt. received 510(k) approval in November 2018 from the S. Food and Drug Administration for the company’s HemoScreen hematology analyzer for point-of-care use.
In May 2019, US FDA issued a Class 1 device recall to Beckman Coulter for DxH 800, DxH 600, and DxH 900 hematology analyzers owing to inaccurate results.

Which Companies Stand Out in the Hematology Analyzers and Reagents Segment?

Abbott, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Horiba, Siemens, Sysmex, BioSystems, Boule, Danaher, Diatron, and Drew Scientific are major players in the hematology analyzers industry. Let’s see how these leading companies are contributing to innovations to boost demand for hematology analyzers and reagents.

Diatron Group is the global provider of hematology and clinical chemistry analyzers, displaying their new 3-part differential hematology analyzer (with the ability of 60 tests output per hour) to the laboratory world for the first time in Dusseldorf, Germany, at Medica on 16-19 November 2015. This innovative analyzer has been specially manufactured to provide unique solutions to the numerous needs of the rapidly advancing global hematology industry.
Beckman Coulter continues its innovation to address transforming industry needs. The company has recently released fully integrated and small-size analyzers, such as the DxH 500*, DxH 520*, and DxH 900 to improve uptime, workflow, and user satisfaction.
Siemens has recently launched the Atellica HEMA 570 and 580 Analyzers. It offers an intuitive interface and multi-analyst automation connectivity to eliminate workflow roadblocks and achieve faster throughput to reach user satisfaction.
Sysmex Europe has recently launched‘XQ-320 XQ-Series Automated Hematology Analyzer’– its new 3-part differential system. This innovation will fulfill the needs of high-volume clinical sectors.

To Wrap it Up

As hematology analyzers and reagents are broadly used in a wide range of applications such as white blood cell count, coagulation tests, analyzing complete blood count, and reticulocyte analysis, it is getting popular in a shorter time.

Many manufacturing companies are taking the initiative to invent an analyzer that is faster, more accurate, and more user-friendly. Companies are also focusing on improving user satisfaction and less need for training to operate. With these promising advances, hematology analyzers and reagents will gain traction in the years to come.