Validation of the Technicon H*1 for the automated cell count and cell differentiation of feline blood samples

The Technicon H*1 gives a reliable CBC in the cat except the thrombocyte count. The differentiation of neutrophils and lymphocytes is accurate enough for clinical purposes. The differentiation of eosinophiles is not accurate. The monocyte estimations of the Technicon H*1 differ from those of the reference method, a 400 cell leucocyte differential cell count. Storage of the blood at room temperature and at 4 degrees C is possible for three days, but storage at room temperature for seven days results in a significant decrease of neutrophils.