Table 152.1Spurious Results with Automated Cell Counters

Condition that can result in an erroneous value
Value alteredAuto-agglutinationElevated WBC count (> 50,000/μl)Hyperglycemia (> 600 mg/dl)HyperlipidemiasOther
↑ Hb++Monoclonal proteins
Hyperbilirubinemias
Cryoglobulins
↓ HbClotted blood sample
↑ Hct++Cryoglobulins
↓ Hct+Clotted blood sample
↑ MCV+++
↓ MCVCryoglobulins
↑ MCH+Spuriously high Hb
Spuriously low RBC count
↓ MCHSpuriously low Hb
Spuriously high RBC count
↑ MCHC+Spuriously High Hb
Spuriously low Hct
Clotted blood sample
↓ MCHC++Spuriously low Hb
Spuriously high Hct

Key: ↑, Erroneously elevated value.

↓, Erroneously decreased value.

+, Spurious value may be observed in the condition.

From: Chapter 152, Red Cell Indices

Cover of Clinical Methods
Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition.
Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.
Boston: Butterworths; 1990.
Copyright © 1990, Butterworth Publishers, a division of Reed Publishing.

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