An Automated Draft Report Generator for Peripheral Blood Smear Examinations Based on Complete Blood Count Parameters

BACKGROUND: Complete blood count (CBC) results play an important role in peripheral blood smear (PBS) examinations. Many descriptions in PBS reports may simply be translated from CBC parameters. We developed a computer program that automatically generates a PBS draft report based on CBC parameters and age- and sex-matched reference ranges. METHODS: The Java programming language was used to develop a computer program that supports a graphical user interface. Four hematology analyzers from three different laboratories were tested: Sysmex XE-5000 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan), Sysmex XN-9000 (Sysmex), DxH800 (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA), and ADVIA 2120i (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Eschborn, Germany). Input data files containing 862 CBC results were generated from hematology analyzers, middlewares, or laboratory information systems. The draft reports were compared with the content of input data files. RESULTS: We developed a computer program that reads CBC results from a data file and automatically writes a draft PBS report. Age- and sex-matched reference ranges can be automatically applied. After examining PBS, users can modify the draft report based on microscopic findings. Recommendations such as suggestions for further evaluations are also provided based on morphological findings, and they can be modified by users. The program was compatible with all four hematology analyzers tested. CONCLUSIONS: Our program is expected to reduce the time required to manually incorporate CBC results into PBS reports. Systematic inclusion of CBC results could help improve the reliability and sensitivity of PBS examinations.

The Influence of Low Calcium Concentration Hemodialysis on Cardiovascular Response / 대한신장학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Arterial compliance (AC) reflects the buffering function of the vessel. Low AC caused by arterial stiffness increases pulse pressure amplitude. Therefore, Low AC must be correlated with high cardiovascular mobidity and mortality in HD patients. Dialysate calcium concentration is potentially a main determinant of serum ionized calcium level and the vasoconstriction is associated with high calcium concentration. Therefore, We conducted a study for evaluation of the interdialytic effects of treatment with a low dialysate calcium (LdCa) concentration and high dialysate calcium (HdCa) concentration on the changes of AC, BP, biochemical parameters. METHODS: Eight HD patient (mean age 45.5, sex ratio 1 : 1) were studied. The mean HD period was 3 years. Arterial Compliance, stroke Volume, SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, Ionized Ca, T-CO2, P and CaxP product were compared after treatment with a LdCa and HdCa concentration for each 10 sessions. RESULTS: AC were 0.143+/-0.076 mm2/kPa in baseline, 0.166+/-0.097 mm2/kPa in LdCa (1.25 mmol/L) dialysate, 0.142+/-0.082 mm2/kPa in HdCa (1.75 mmol/L) dialysate. SBP, DBP, MAP and PP were 157.75+/-15.97, 94.25+/-9.48, 114.12+/-10.56, 63.50+/-10.87 mmHg in baseline and 135.25+/-13.00, 78.75+/-11.24, 98.37+/-15.14, 56.50+/-5.95 mmHg in LdCa dialysate and 160.50+/-15.36, 94.05+/-10.34, 115.75+/-9.64, 62.00+/-15.71 mmHg in HdCa dialysate. Ionized Ca were 4.66+/-0.40 mg/dL in baseline, 4.45+/-0.28 mg/dL in LdCa dialysate and 4.65+/-0.43 mg/dL in HdCa dialysate. However, there were no changes of other biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: Treatment with LdCa dialysis, by minimizing the risk for LdCa-induced hypocalcemia, may have a beneficial role in the prevention of the ongoing reduction of arterial compliance in HD patients and thus improve cardiovascular prognosis.