Streamlining the Oncology Pathway with HORIBA’s Rapid, Near-Patient Hematology Solution: The Yumizen H500

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The fight against cancer demands speed, precision, and patient-centric care. In this crucial pathway, the utility of the HORIBA Yumizen H500 is proving to be a significant tool, particularly for its impact at the point-of-care (POC) in oncology settings. This compact, easy-to-use device is enabling clinicians to access FBC results in rapid times, resulting in more efficient treatment decisions and improved patient experiences.

The most profound impacts of the Yumizen H500 lies in its ability to provide Full Blood Count (FBC) results near the patient's bedside.1 For cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, timely FBC analysis is critical. Chemotherapy can lead to side effects such as myelosuppression, causing dangerously low white blood cell (neutrophil), red blood cell, and platelet counts.2 Delays in obtaining these results can lead to slower treatment times, longer hospital stays, and an increased risk of complications for example, infection.3

Full Blood Counts are performed at various stages during a patient’s journey; These are detailed below:

Diagnosis and Staging:

  • Detection: FBCs are essential for diagnosing blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
  • Indicating underlying issues: Abnormalities in red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (leukocytosis or leukopenia), or platelets can be early indicators of cancer or complications related to it.
  • Prognostic indicators: Certain FBC parameters, particularly white blood cell (WBC) counts, can correlate with disease severity and prognosis in various malignancies.

 

Baseline Assessment:

  • Before starting any cancer treatment, a baseline FBC is done to assess the patient's bone marrow function and general health. This provides a reference point for monitoring changes during treatment.

 

Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness and Side Effects:

  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy: These treatments often suppress bone marrow function, leading to decreased production of blood cells (myelosuppression). FBCs help monitor these effects:
  • Neutropenia (low neutrophils): Neutrophils are crucial for fighting infection. Low levels increase the risk of serious infections.
  • Anemia (low red blood cells/hemoglobin): Chemotherapy can cause anemia, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath.
  • Thrombocytopenia (low platelets): Low platelet counts increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Response to treatment: For some cancers, changes in blood cell counts can indicate how effective the treatment has been on reducing the cancer.

 

Managing Complications:

  • Infection: Sudden changes in white blood cell counts can indicate infection, prompting immediate investigation and treatment.
  • Bleeding: Low platelet counts revealed by FBCs alert clinicians to an increased risk of bleeding.
  • Other systemic effects: FBCs can provide clues about the body's inflammatory response to cancer or its treatment.

 

Studies demonstrate the Yumizen H500's exceptional correlation with larger, laboratory-based hematology analyzers, ensuring the clinical integrity of results even with abnormal blood samples frequently seen in oncology patients4. Its ability to provide a comprehensive 6-part differential, including immature cells, along with red blood cell and platelet parameters in just 60 seconds, offers vital insights into a patient's suitability for treatment5.

Figure 1: Example showing presentation of results on the Yumizen H500

Figure 1: Example showing presentation of results on the Yumizen H500

The key benefits of implementing the Yumizen H500 into the oncology pathway include:

  • Reduced Turnaround Time (TAT): With analysis taking as little as one minute per sample, the Yumizen H500 drastically cuts reporting times, often reducing it from hours to seconds6. This allows staff to make quicker, more informed decisions regarding chemo administration, transfusions, or supportive care.
  • Improved Patient Experience: Near-patient testing reduces their time spent in clinics and hospitals7. This helps to reduce the stress of attending hospitals and is particularly beneficial for immunocompromised patients, lowering their risk of hospital acquired infection (HAI).
  • Enhanced Treatment Efficacy: By providing immediate and accurate results, the Yumizen H500 enables clinicians to adapt treatment regimens in real-time. For instance, if a patient is severely neutropenic, treatment can be delayed or adjusted promptly, preventing potentially life-threatening infections. Conversely, if stable, treatment can begin or continue without unnecessary delays.
  • Adherence to Quality Standards: The Yumizen H500 adheres to international ISO standards (e.g., 15189:2012 and 22870:2016), ensuring reliable and accurate results for appropriate clinical decision-making8.

 

The use of the Yumizen H500 offers more than traditional hematology reporting practices; it's an enabler of more agile and patient-centred cancer care. By providing rapid and accurate blood analysis at the point of care, it plays a vital role in optimising treatment pathways and patient safety. Which ultimately, enhances the hospital experience for individuals fighting cancer. 

Reference

  1. An evaluation of the Yumizen H500 FBC analyser for near-patient testing with oncology patients
  2. Myelosuppression (Bone Marrow Suppression) - Cleveland Clinic
  3. Low blood cell counts: Side effects of cancer treatment - Mayo Clinic
  4. Yumizen H500 hematology analyzer wins the Best New Clinical Instrumentation of 2022
  5. New Yumizen H550/H500 & ESR Hematology and ESR Analyzer - HORIBA
  6. Studies show HORIBA's new hematology analyzer improves POCT and care of oncology patients - News-Medical.net
  7. Yumizen H500 & H550 Hematology Analyzer - HORIBA
  8. The instrument was also assessed for usability and adherence to the requirements of the ISO15189 standard.
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