Evaluation of a novel haematology analyser for use with feline blood

A novel haematology analyser was evaluated for its use with feline samples. Complete blood cell counts, a five-part differential count, and reticulocyte numbers were determined, and the results compared with reference data. Coefficients of correlation, Passing–Bablok regression analysis and Bland–Altmann difference plots with biases and 95% limits of agreement are reported. Precision and linearity were also studied. The instrument demonstrated very low imprecision, and the tested range of linearity exceeded the reference ranges provided by the manufacturer. For all parameters except monocytes (r = 0.65), the analyser results correlated well with reference methods. Compared with the manual count of aggregated reticulocytes, the instrument showed good agreement with a positive bias. The optical platelet count correlated well with the manual chamber count. In conclusion the analyser was found to be highly reliable for the analysis of feline blood samples in a large veterinary laboratory.