A research team from the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine at the University Medical Center Oldenburg and the German Red Cross has directly compared two measuring systems for the determination of residual leukocytes (rWBC) in platelet and erythrocyte concentrates. The background to this is the requirement of the German hemotherapy guideline to allow a maximum of 10⁶ residual leukocytes per blood product. A reliable detection system is therefore essential for transfusion services.

The results show that all three systems have a high linearity (correlation coefficient > 0.995 each). In the critical, low measurement range, two systems provided very comparable data, with one achieving the most consistent results. The third system tended to generate slightly increased values in this range – a circumstance that does not fundamentally affect the accuracy of detection, but can lead to more “out-of-specificity” findings in high-throughput operation.

However, the advantage of the third system is the high processing speed; however, in critical cases, control by means of a second method is recommended. Ultimately, the submitted validation data prove that both flow cytometry and the automated version are suitable for routine monitoring of residual leukocytes. One device scores particularly well in terms of result stability and precision, while the other analyzer focuses on speed, but also on the risk of exceeding limit values (“out-of-specificity”).

The study thus underlines the importance of cross-method quality assurance in clinical transfusion laboratories and provides reliable information for the selection of suitable analytical systems for compliance with regulatory requirements.

The details and manufacturer names can be seen as posters at the DKLM 2025 in Leipzig. Interested media can receive the poster in advance in compliance with the strict embargo period of 23.10.2025 / 00:01 and presentation of a valid press card. To do so, send us your enquiry including a copy of your press card to: redaktion@medlabportal.de

The German Congress of Laboratory Medicine (DKLM) 2025 promises exciting insights into the interface between science and clinical practice. Under the motto “Science for Precision Medicine”, the German Society for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (DGKL) and the Umbrella Association for Technologists and Analysts in Medicine Germany (DVTA) invite experts from research, clinics and industry to meet on October 23 and 24 at the Congress Center Leipzig (CCL). The two-day event is aimed at laboratory physicians, biomedical analysts and decision-makers to discuss current advances in diagnostics and strengthen networks. The ceremonial opening of the congress will take place on 22 October with the presentation of the MedLabAwards in the Salles de Pologne.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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