Use of the Hemalog D automated leucocyte differential counter in the diagnosis and therapy of leukaemia.

Of 46 adult patients with active leukaemia whose white cells were examined using a Hemalog D automated differential leucocyte counter, 45 showed abnormalities indicative of their disease, and the odd one out would not have been missed due to associated thrombocytopenia. Sequential studies while on chemotherapy allowed rapid and accurate neutrophil counts to be performed even in the presence of profound leucopenia and the re-emergence of blast cells in some cases was detected 2--3 weeks earlier than by microscopy. These findings indicate that the Hemalog D is reliable in the detection and can be useful in the follow-up of patients with leukaemia.