Hematology Instruments

Author: Yoshihiro Kubo – With the rapid advances in technology in the manufacturing world, at state-of-the-art production plants for semiconductors and other high-tech products, it has become necessary to control both the size and the concentration of particles in numerous types of chemical solutions. The types of solutions actually used in the production process frequently include acids, strong alkaline substances, and various organic solutions. The physical properties of these substances especially the refractive index, vary greatly, making it difficult to measure the particles in these solutions. Today we are faced with the problem of measuring extremely large volumes of solution that contain a relatively low concentration of particles that need to be checked. The traditional method of filtering the solutions to measure particles has a number of inherent problems that make it inadequate for today's needs. To meet. these needs, Horiba has developed and begun to produce the PLCA-700 of liquid-particle counters. The PLCA-700 Series measures particles using a laser side-scattering principle. This paper gives an overview of the PLCA-700 liquid-particle counter and discusses the underlying measurement principle, with an introduction to the calibration method of the unit. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.4-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Toshiyuki Kuritani; Shuji Takada – HORIBA has begun the manufacture of the Model IM-02 infrared module, which has a pyroelectic-type infrared detector for sensing human movement ; this model is distributed commercially under the name Fresnel-IRDET. The Model IM-02 design reduces the number of components to the absolute minimum and concentrates these into a single unit that holds the light-gathering lens, the circuit boards, the case, and the detector. This compact unit can then be used as a human-movement sensor with just the addition of a few auxiliary components.The pyroelectic infrared detector has recently come to be used in a wide range of applications. However, it is necessary to be familiar with the relevant optical systems and electronic circuitry use this type of detector in an_ infrared sensor system designed for the detection of the human body. This paper we introduce the Model IM-02 infrared module ; and in order understand the principles of its operation, we also look at the design and principles of the pyroelectic-type infrared detector. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.4-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Kozo Ishida; Executive Vice President of HORIBA, also Chief Executive Officer ABX S.A.

Author: Takeshi Kono – Systems for medical treatment are undergoing major reconsideration, and the manufacturers of clinical testing devices are experiencing a period of great transition. Today, there is a demand for the simultaneous realization of quantity, quality and speed. With compact blood testing devices as a weapon, the HORIBA Medical Group is working to develop business in the field of point of care testing. In this paper, we present an introduction to what projects the Medical Group currently has underway, and what measures the Medical Group is planning to implement, with respect to the changes taking place in the market environment of clinical testing devices. (Same content is in Readout No.24-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Noriyuki Tatsumi; Osaka City University Medical School; Izumi Tsuda; Osaka City University Medical School; Takayuki Takubo; Osaka City University Medical School; Masayuki Hino; Osaka City University Medical School – Automated white cell differential analysis began with the 3-part differential and now 5-part differential is used in laboratories. The automated white cell differntial has been recognized as useful for screening abnormal samples that need further microscopic examination to find actual morphological abnormalities. The 3-part differential is useful for diagnosing acute bacterial infection and the 5-part analysis is useful for diagnosing other inflammations. New hematology analyzers can provide hematological data and can assay C-reactive protein at the same time. These analyzers make diagnosis of inflammation easy and reliable. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.20-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Franck Seguy; ABX S.A. – Hematology diagnostics is growing increasingly important as one of the most fundamental types of clinical testing. ABX-HORIBA group has been developing and marketing a variety of hematology analyzers based on the key concept of providing “Quick, easy and precise testing”. The Pentra 80 is a compact, high-precision CBC + 5-DIFF automatic blood analyzer. The author describe the measurement principles and features, such as the DHSSTM and MDSSTM , and also, present some typical data that show the high performance of this instrument.

Author: Pascal Berthet; ABX S.A. – The Pentra 120 Retic SPS is the top-of-the-range hematology analyzer from ABX-HOBIBA, associating high productivity and new analytical capabilities. With human intervention required only for setting a sample on the holder, the instrument automatically carries out samplings, measurements and slide preparation. It provides the perfect combination of productivity with high quality results of the 36 parameters with reticulocyte analysis. This paper explains the measurement principles and slide preparation and staining system.

Author: Yasuo Yamao – The LC-170 CRP automatic blood cell and CRP counter, developed by HORIBA, is capable of simultaneously measuring all 19 C-reactive protein (CRP) density parameters and counting red blood cells, platelets, and three types of white blood cell: lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes. As clinicians demand ever-higher precision measurements, a need has developed for clinical test machines having excellent operational and cost performance. This compact machine should make a powerful tool for initial diagnosis of inflammatory and infectious diseases, especially at small and mid-size medical institutions. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.20-Japanese edition-.)

Author: David Gozzard, Dr.; Consultant Hematologist at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Center (NWCTC), England, Specialities include Hematology and Laboratory and Medical Coumuter Systems – Hematology is one of the most fundamental clinical tests. To handle the growing scope of blood testing, efforts are being made to increase efficiency by concentrating testing equipment in a central testing room, or by contracting the testing work out to specialized organizations. However, this growing centralization and out-sourcing has in turn given rise to certain disadvantages, including a growing distance between the site of treatment and the site of testing. With the aim of “achieving quick and accurate clinical testing right beside the patient,” ABX-HORIBA group has continued the development of compact and easy-to-use clinical testing equipment. With the simple questions, “How are these products being used?” and “Are they useful?,” we interviewed doctors who are using our products. Dr. David Gozzard of the North Wales Cancer Treatment Center in England comments that the introduction of the MICROS CRP, a compact hematology analyzer, has alleviated the burden on patients, and allowed doctors and clinical technicians to treat patients with less pressure, creating a big change in the atmosphere of the treatment room. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.24-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Junji Suzue; Director of Suzue Child Clinic – From time to time, the C-reactive protein (CRP) test and the white blood count (WBC) test are used by pediatricians to assist in diagnosing infectious disease, and to confirm the effect of treatment. When performing these tests, it is desirable to collect the smallest amount of blood possible; this is especially important when the patient is an infant. This paper reports on a study of the Horiba LC-270 CRP Automatic Blood Cell Counter and CRP-Measuring Instrument in a pediatric outpatient clinic. The research examined the effect of performing simultaneous CRP and WBC tests using extremely small samples of blood. The authors collected data from 1,058 infants and conducted in-depth research on their conditions over the course of a one-year period beginning in November 1997. The results confirmed that the instrument was very useful in aiding diagnosis and treatment decisions, supporting informed consent, achieving medical economy, and delivering other benefits. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.19-Japanese edition-.)

Author: Tadanobu Maeda; Kitasato University Higashi Hospital; Michiko Yanagihara; Kitasato University Higashi Hospital; Chikako Murakami; Kitasato University Higashi Hospital – Automated Hematology Analyzers are being introduced into all types of medical facilities, regardless of size, as a device directly related to medical care. These devices analyze blood, raw cells as it were, so an Automated Hematology Analyzer must battle with time to quickly report highly precise test results. The ability to achieve this can contribute to accurate diagnoses and effective medical treatment. In this paper, we discuss the practical application and current status of the Horiba LC-5000 (Pentra 60) Automated Hematology Analyzer, which is being used in emergency cases during daytime hours and for testing during nighttime and holiday hours at the Kitasato University Higashi Hospital. (Same content in Japanese is in Readout No.24-Japanese edition-.)