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In 2012, the International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) published recommendations for the identification, quantitation, and diagnostic value of schistocytes. In the present review, the impact of these recommendations is evaluated. This work is based on citations in peer‐reviewed papers published since 2012. The first 2012 ICSH Recommendations have also been revised to incorporate newly published data in the literature and current best laboratory practice. Recommended reference ranges have been proposed for healthy adults and full‐term neonates of 1% or less schistocytes. More than 1% of morphologically identified schistocytes on the blood film are considered suspicious for thrombotic microangiopathy. For preterm infants, a normal level of 5% or less is recommended. The fragment red cell count (FRC) generated by some automated hematological analyzers provides a valuable screening tool for the presence of schistocytes. Specifically, the absence of FRCs can be used as a valuable parameter to exclude the presence of schistocytes on the blood film. The validity and usefulness of microscope schistocytes and automated FRCs, respectively, are discussed in the context of the laboratory diagnostic tests used for thrombotic microangiopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Morphological assessment of the blood smear has been performed by conventional manual microscopy for many decades. Recently, rapid progress in digital imaging and information technology has led to the development of automated methods of digital morphological analysis of blood smears. Methods: A panel of experts in laboratory hematology reviewed the literature on the use of digital imaging and other strategies for the morphological analysis of blood smears. The strengths and weaknesses of digital imaging were determined, and recommendations on improvement were proposed. Results: By preclassifying cells using artificial intelligence algorithms, digital image analysis automates the blood smear review process and enables faster slide reviews. Digital image analyzers also allow remote networked laboratories to transfer images rapidly to a central laboratory for review, and facilitate a variety of essential work functions in laboratory hematology such as consultations, digital image archival, libraries, quality assurance, competency assessment, education, and training. Different instruments from several manufacturers are available, but there is a lack of standardization of staining methods, optical magnifications, color and display characteristics, hardware, software, and file formats. Conclusion: In order to realize the full potential of Digital Morphology Hematology Analyzers, pre‐analytic, analytic, and postanalytic parameters should be standardized. Manufacturers of new instruments should focus on improving the accuracy of cell preclassifications, and the automated recognition and classification of pathological cell types. Cutoffs for grading morphological abnormalities should depend on clinical significance. With all current devices, a skilled morphologist remains essential for cell reclassification and diagnostic interpretation of the blood smear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a hemolytic anemia due to anti-red cell autoantibodies that are reactive at cold temperatures. In the elderly, it may be associated with underlying B-cell lymphoma, usually a lympho-plasmacytic lymphoma variant. We report a case of CAD in an elderly Indonesian female, which was associated with a B-cell lymphoma that showed a histologic appearance consistent with large-cell lymphoma. Cytogenetic analysis revealed the presence of trisomies 3 and 12, which have been reported previously in B-cell lymphoma associated with CAD. In addition, a t(8;22) was found in 24 out of 28 metaphases. Translocation (8;22) is associated with Burkitt lymphoma or acute lymphoblastic lymphoma, French-American-British subtype L3. It has not been previously reported in B-cell lymphoma asssociated with CAD, and could represent a blastic transformation of the underlying B-cell lymphoma.

Medical laboratories in Singapore subscribe to External Quality Assurance Schemes run by the Licensing and Accreditation Unit of the Ministry of Health, Singapore, as well as a number of foreign medical laboratory quality assurance institutions. Through these organisations, a comprehensive range of laboratory tests are externally monitored for quality assurance at regular intervals in all medical laboratories. In recent years, an increasing number of local quality assurance schemes have been implemented, and an increasing number of laboratories have gained accreditation by foreign quality assurance institutions. The respective roles of these quality assurance activities are discussed.