Compact Haematology System with CE Mark Released

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics has released the DxH 500 haematology system with CE Mark, an open-vial instrument offering a throughput of up to 60 samples per hour. The DxH 500 haematology system is the first analyser in a new range of workflow-efficient haematology analysers able to deliver accurate, robust results from a finger prick of blood. 

The DxH 500 analyser has been specifically designed for low-volume haematology workloads and to promote rapid specimen turnaround and reduce patient wait times in small- and medium-sized clinics. 

Smaller than a standard microwave, the new instrument is able to provide a complete blood count (CBC) plus 5-part differential from as little as 12μL of whole blood or from 20μL of whole blood for pre-dilute analysis.

The DxH 500 is part of Beckman Coulter’s line of DxH haematology solutions (the DxH Workcell, DxH 800 Cellular Analysis System and DxH Slidemaker Stainer) incorporating Beckman Coulter’s multidimensional, high-definition flow cytometric technology.

As part of the multi-site clinical reliability study to test its performance, uptime and workflow efficiencies, 36,000 samples were run across 26 sites in five continents.  The DxH 500, exhibited less than or equal to one service call per year, providing uptime of more than 98%. 

The system has several additional features to provide maximum uptime, with automatic start-up, fast reagent changes, no soft tubing, and minimum moving parts.  It operates like a mobile phone, using touch screen technology so there is no need to add a PC and monitor.  Low power consumption also reduces operational costs, with LED lighting replacing traditional lasers. The DxH 500 uses 50% less reagent volume per sample compared to other low-volume analysers so that a single set of reagent bottles can support hundreds of tests.

The DxH 500 needs only three reagents, which take less than two minutes each to replace, making better use of staff time and supporting a consistent workflow throughout the day.  By providing non-toxic, cyanide-free and formaldehyde-free reagents, labs can reduce the cost of disposal and more easily meet environmental and regulatory compliance standards. Additionally, the DxH 500 supports laboratories’ paperless efforts with a bidirectional laboratory information system (LIS) interface for better data keeping.