HORIBA Medical has announced the publication online of a scientific validation study¹ of its new HemaCAM^® computer-assisted microscopy module for fully automated analysis of blood smears. Published online as a poster presentation, the study was undertaken at the Saint-Joseph Saint-Luc Hospital (Lyon, France). It found that the HemaCAM^® slide digitalisation system offered new functionalities compared to those of existing systems for automated cell image acquisition and identification. 

The study evaluated HemaCAM^®'s ability to automatically acquire and recognise cell images from blood smears in order to assess its performance in normal cell identification. It also assessed its capability of discriminating between normal and abnormal cells. To do this, laboratory experts created a standardised database of seven WBC subpopulations of the 18 available within HemaCAM^®: polynuclear neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, as well as nuclear shadows and large platelets. The sensitivity and specificity of HemaCAM^® in recognising and correctly classifying cells into the seven enriched subpopulations was then calculated, demonstrating good precision.

The study also concluded that HemaCAM^® is very intuitive and user-friendly, whilst the quality of its optical components, combined with a good depth of field, creates a remarkable final image resolution. Furthermore, as part of the HORIBA Medical HaemCell integrated haematology solution, the combination of HemaCAM^® slide digitalisation with a platform for haematological analysis (ABX Pentra DX120) and data management (ABX Pentra ML) ensures secure and traceable laboratory workflow.

Recently launched, HemaCAM^® significantly reduces the laboratory work load and simplifies the creation of a quick and objective differential blood count even for more unusual blood samples, through its fully automated analysis of stained blood smears. It also has the ability to digitally store all images and differential results in a comprehensive evolutionary adaptable database that is fully traceable and searchable.  The database can be customised to suit every laboratory's specific needs and requirements. 

For more information please visit www.horiba.com/uk/medical


Reference:

1      HemaCAM®, a novel self-learning automated digitalisation module, part of the HaemCell solution