The ABX Pentra 60C+ bench-top haematology analyser from Horiba Medical has been installed at the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at Aberystwyth University.
Using the instrument, researchers have gained flexibility within their studies into exercise immunology.
Having their own easy-to-use haematology analyser is enabling them to fully explore many research parameters without the commonly incurred delays associated with outsourcing sample analysis, Horiba said.
Although the department moved into purpose-built facilities five years ago, automated haematology requirements were not a necessity at that stage and a decision was made to outsource analysis of this nature, for research purposes.
Dr Glen Davison, lecturer and researcher at Aberystwyth University, said: 'This, however, was a costly and time-consuming process that did not allow us great autonomy or flexibility.
'We did have a small machine for measuring haemoglobin, a microcentrifuge and microscopes predominantly used for teaching, however, these are not ideal for in-depth and extensive research studies.
'What we really needed for our investigations, where the understanding of leucocyte functionality is fundamental, was to bring our sample analysis in-house with a fully automated haematology analyser.' After looking at several different systems, the department decided upon the ABX Pentra 60C+.
It was impressed by the scope of parameters available, including large immature cells and atypical lymphocyte counts, in addition to the five-part leucocyte differential.
In addition, the researchers were also impressed by the system's working range and precision, particularly its ability to provide accurate leucocyte differentials, even with extremely low counts down to 0.2 to 0.3 x 109/L.
The compact ABX Pentra 60C+ analyser provides five-part cytochemical differential for white blood cells making it ideal for the department's research in exercise immunology.
With the ability to manage low sample volumes (CBC: 30ul - DIFF: 53ul), unnecessary sample re-runs and time wastage are prevented.
Another important factor in the decision-making process was the fact that the overall running costs of the ABX Pentra 60C+ were lower than other analysers assessed.
In a research environment, where an analyser may not be used every day, the Department of Sport and Exercise Science needed a compact and reliable system that was easy to calibrate.
Looking to the future, as part of its research into immunoendocrine responses to exercise, the Aberystwyth University team is interested in testing other bodily fluids for leucocytes.
With the ABX Pentra 60C+ now in-situ, Davison is enthusiastic that this is a possibility, and something not so easily achieved through outsourcing and manual processes.
By bringing sample analysis in-house, the researchers at Aberystwyth University are able to achieve same-day results without delay, identify problematic samples early on, and expand research parameters through quicker turnaround of routine and specific tests, preventing wasted time and results for both researcher and study volunteers.
