Robotics in the hematology laboratory. An evaluation of the productivity of the Sysmex HS-330.

Abstract

The productivity of a robotic hematology system (Sysmex HS-330) was compared with that of existing automated, semi-automated, and manual systems (Coulter Counter-Model STKS; Sysmex R-1000 reticulocyte counter. Geometric Data Miniprep slide maker, respectively) in the clinical hematology laboratory of a large hospital. On average, for a batch of 50 samples, the HS-330 performed a blood count with a 5-part differential, a reticulocyte count, and prepare a blood smear 23 minutes faster than could trained technologists using existing equipment. An estimated 1.8 medical technologists could be assigned to other tasks; however, because of the equipment's high cost, in a laboratory processing 1,000 samples per day, 4.6 years would be needed before any actual cost savings were experienced.