An introduction and evaluation of DI-60 digital morphology analyser
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An introduction and evaluation of DI-60 digital morphology analyser in routine haematology analysis of peripheral blood smears.
IRAS ID
250272
Contact name
Lynne Webster
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
A peripheral blood smear (or blood film) is a diagnostic laboratory test which is used to examine blood cells manually under microscope.A review of blood film is first step in diagnosis of most haematological conditions by identifying abnormal cells. This test form part of full blood count which is performed on automated analysers to obtain number of red cells, white cells and platelets count with five part white cell differential. These analysers flag up abnormalities of blood cells and trigger manual review of blood smear. An examination of blood smear is also requested by a doctor who knows patients’ clinical history or initiated by a biomedical scientist (BMS) performing full blood count test. A blood film is prepared by placing a drop of blood on a glass slide and smeared to create a thin layer of blood cells.The smear is then stained and observed under microscope for abnormalities of white blood cells, red cells and platelets. A few or too many of these cells, as well as their abnormal appearance indicate a disorder. Despite advances in current diagnostic investigation method, the blood smears examination remains a valuable and crucial diagnostic tool in identification of abnormal blood cells. Although manual review of blood film is considered a gold standard, however, it remain challenging as it is labour intense, time consuming and require highly skilled staff to perform the test. Furthermore it is more subjective and open to individual interpretation of blood cell features depending on observer experience in the field. Therefore, a more robust and standardised method is required. Digital automated morphology has been introduced in recent time and have shown potential benefits in reviewing blood films for diagnostic purpose. Several studies have shown that digital morphology is a way forward to overcome the subjectivity and limitations of manual blood film reviews.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0066
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion