Volume Conductivity and Scatter Parameters as an Indicator of Acute Bacterial Infections by the Automated Haematology Analyser

• Main Authors: Pooja K Suresh, Jessica Minal, Purnima S Rao, Kirthinath Ballal, Hanaganahalli B Sridevi, Mahesha Padyana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2016-01-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: mean neutrophil volume; mean monocyte volume; sepsis; vcs parameters
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/7009/14059_CE(Ra1)_F(GH)_PF1(BMAK)_PFA(AK)_PF2(PAG).pdf
• ISSN: 2249-782X; 0973-709X

Introduction: Complete blood picture is the first and foremost investigation ordered for evaluation of acute infectious processes which require early and prompt intervention. With the advent of automated Coulter ® Haematology analysers, the Volume, Conductivity & Scatter parameters of the leucocytes could be analysed for the early detection of the infections. Aim: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of Volume, Conductivity & Scatter parameters of neutrophils & monocytes in predicting the onset of acute bacterial infections. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples from 94 patients with infections (systemic infections n=36 & localised infections n=58) and 46 control subjects were studied using the Volume, Conductivity & Scatter parameters by the Coulter Haematology analyser. Results: We observed a significant increase in the mean channel of neutrophil volume & mean channel of monocyte volume from patients with infections (both systemic & localised) as compared with control subjects (Mean Neutrophil Volume: 158.3 ± 13.7 vs 137.2 ± 4.3; p<0.001) & (Mean Monocyte Volume: 177.8± 16 vs 161.7 ± 6.04; p <0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the Mean Neutrophil Volume of patients with systemic infection &localised infections (160.5±17.5 vs 156.8±10.5, p>0.05). Conclusion: The Volume, Conductivity & Scatter parameters like Mean Neutrophil Volume & Mean Monocyte Volume are more sensitive parameters and could prove to be a quick diagnostic indicator of acute bacterial infections.