Assessment of the analytical performance of novel parameters of automated blood count on Sysmex XN-9000.

Recent technological advancements in laboratory hematology have promoted the introduction of many innovative parameters, which have the potential to enhance the clinical efficiency of this diagnostic area. This study aimed to assess the analytical performance of some of these new parameters available on Sysmex XN-9000 according to the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) guidelines. Our evaluation included the assessment of imprecision (both intra- and inter-assay), carryover, sample stability and comparison with optical microscopy. The new red blood cell and platelet parameters displayed CV comprised between 0.7% and 34.6%. The new leukocyte parameters immature granulocyte (IG), hight fluorescence cell and cell population data (CPD) were characterized by CV ranging from 1% to 24%. Carryover was negligible for all parameters. Samples stability showed different trends for the different parameters, especially for CPD, depending on temperature and time of testing. The comparison of IG and nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) enumeration determined with Sysmex XN-9000 and optical microscopy yielded Pearson’s correlation coefficients comprised between 0.82 and 0.99. The absolute bias was 0.83% and -0.06% for IG and NRBC, respectively. The results of this evaluation show that the innovative parameters available on Sysmex XN-9000 display, with some exceptions, acceptable performance, in line with data obtained with other analyzers. The results of sample stability studies are helpful to identify the best storage conditions for these parameters.