Evaluation of two methods for counting residual leukocytes in leuko-reduced platelets: Nageotte's method and flow cytometry

Abstract

Introduction: Leukoreduced (LR) blood components are used for the prevention of several transfusion adverse effects. Advancement in technology has led to newer methods to count residual leukocytes (rWBC) which miss detection on most standard automated hematology analyzers. Materials and Methods: Samples from thirty eight platelet concentrates (prepared by Buffy-coat method) were randomly taken on the day of preparation for rWBC count using Nageotte's chamber and flowcytometer. Results: The rWBC count on Nageotte's ranged from 2.5 WBC/μL to a maximum of 600 WBC/μL where as the flowcytometric count had a lowest of 1.97 WBC/μL to a highest of 740 WBC/μL. We found that the WBC counts using the Nageotte's method and flowcytometeric method are highly correlated. The concordance correlation coefficient or intraclass correlation coefficient which is a measure of reliability was 0.78 Conclusion: In view of the high concordance in correlation coefficient between the two methods, Nageotte's method could be skillfully performed for assessing leukoreduction in LR platelet concentrates of resource constrained blood banks of developing nations.

Keywords

• Flow cytometry
• leukoreduced
• Nageotte's