Evaluation of the Abbott Cell-DYN 3500 hematology analyzer in a University Hospital

The Abbott(R) Cell-Dyn 3500 (Abbott CD 3500, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Mountain View, CA) Is a fully automated hematology analyzer capable of providing a complete blood count (CBC) profile, including a five-part differential leukocyte count (DLC) and flagging system in this study. The CBC profile and DLC flagging system of the Abbott CD 3500 were evaluated according to the HA-20 protocol of the National Committee for Clinical and Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) and compared to the Technicon H*2 blood analyzer currently used in the authors' laboratory. Linearity, carryover, precision, and stability were all within the limits established by the manufacturer. No significant breakdowns were found during the evaluation period.