Reference Intervals and Comparative Analysis of Reticulocyte Counts Using the Mindray BC-6200, Flow Cytometry, and Manual Microscopy.

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the analytical performance of the Mindray BC-6200 analyzer for reticulocyte counting, with a focus on imprecision, carryover, and time stability. The accuracy of reticulocyte count was compared with the manual microscope (MM) and flow cytometry (FC), the reference method. Additionally, reference intervals (RIs) of reticulocyte count and related parameters were established for the Thai population.

Methods: Sixty healthy Thai adults of both sexes along with 182 leftover blood samples from individuals with various pathologic conditions, were selected to evaluate reticulocyte counts using the automated Mindray BC-6200. Results were compared with MM and FC to establish RIs and assess the correlation between methods.

Results: The imprecision on reticulocyte counts across all control levels (coefficient of variation, %CV) was below the manufacturer's claim. Carryover was < 0.001%, and time-stability was excellent up to 24 h. RIs were as follows: reticulocytes (×10⁹/L): 34.88-118.50, immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) (%): 2.71-15.28, reticulocyte Hemoglobin content (RHE) (pg): 22.84-29.70. There was a strong correlation (r > 0.9785) in reticulocyte counts between the automated analyzer, MM, and FC.

Conclusion: The Mindray BC-6200 is a reliable alternative to MM and FC methods for reticulocyte counting, with a good correlation, precision, low carryover, and time stability, making it effective for assessing erythropoiesis in clinical settings. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical utility of reticulocyte count and related parameters in diagnosing hematological conditions.