Comparison of two automated multichannel haematology analysers in domestic animals

Blood samples from 33 dogs, 28 cats, 24 horses and 25 cattle were analysed in duplicate on the Coulter Counter S-Plus IV and the Baker 9000 multichannel haematology analysers. The precisions of each instrument and the correlations between the instruments were evaluated. The precisions of both systems were good but, the Baker 9000 system showed more variability between duplicate determinations for all parameters. The Baker 9000 had better precision for white blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and MCV. Correlations between the two instruments were excellent except for MCHC. Neither analyser reliably provided feline platelet counts and the Baker 9000 also failed to report error messages for 8 of 10 apparently false platelet counts. The Coulter instrument consistently reported higher haemoglobin concentrations and higher feline and lower canine white blood cell counts than the Baker 9000.