Imagine you’re working in a neonatal unit. A newborn requires multiple laboratory tests, but obtaining blood is challenging. Every additional tube means more stress for the patient, the caregiver, and the healthcare team.
Now multiply that challenge across hundreds of paediatric patients, oncology cases, elderly patients with fragile veins, and critical care settings where blood conservation is essential.
This is where the right haematology analyser can make a remarkable difference.
The Hidden Cost of Large Sample Requirements
Many laboratories focus on throughput, speed, and automation when evaluating haematology analysers. While these are important factors, one critical consideration is often overlooked:
How much blood does the analyser actually need?
For adult patients, a larger sample volume may not seem significant. But in paediatric and difficult-draw populations, every microliter matters.
Excessive blood collection can lead to:
- Increased patient discomfort
- Repeat venipunctures
- Higher risk of sample rejection
- Challenges in neonatal and paediatric testing
- Reduced patient satisfaction
For laboratories striving to improve patient-centered care, minimizing sample volume is no longer a luxury—it’s becoming a necessity.
A Smarter Approach to Paediatric Haematology
The Beckman Coulter DxH 520 and DxH 560 were designed with real-world laboratory challenges in mind.
One standout feature is their ability to operate with exceptionally low aspiration volume requirements.
The analyser aspirates approximately 17 µL of blood, making it highly suitable for:
- Paediatric patients
- Neonatal testing
- Geriatric patients
- Oncology patients
- Difficult-draw cases
- Facilities focused on blood conservation
This means laboratories can obtain reliable haematology results while requiring significantly less sample for analysis.
Why Laboratories Are Paying Attention
Healthcare is moving toward greater efficiency, improved patient experience, and better clinical outcomes.
Laboratories that can deliver accurate results using minimal sample volumes gain several advantages:
- Improved Patient Experience
Less blood collection often means less discomfort and fewer repeat draws.
- Greater Flexibility
Small-volume capability allows laboratories to confidently process challenging specimens that might otherwise require recollection.
- Enhanced Workflow Efficiency
Reduced sample collection challenges can help decrease delays, recollections, and workflow interruptions.
- Better Support for Specialized Facilities
Paediatric hospitals, maternity centres, oncology clinics, and critical care units often benefit significantly from analysers optimized for low-volume samples.
- More than Just Sample Volume
While the low aspiration requirement is impressive, it’s only one part of the story.
Modern laboratories are increasingly seeking analysers that combine:
- Reliable CBC performance
- User-friendly operation
- Efficient workflow
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Compact footprint
- Strong support infrastructure
The DxH 520 and DxH 560 were developed to address these needs while maintaining the quality standards laboratories expected from Beckman Coulter.
Is Your Current Analyzer Helping or Hindering Your Workflow?
Many laboratories continue to use systems that require larger sample volumes than necessary. Over time, this can create hidden operational challenges, especially in facilities that regularly handle paediatric or difficult-draw patients.
The question laboratory leaders should ask is:
How much time, effort, and patient discomfort could be avoided with a more sample-efficient solution?
Discover What the DxH 520/560 Can Do for Your Laboratory
Whether you’re managing a paediatric facility, a growing diagnostic center, or a high-volume hospital laboratory, understanding the impact of low-volume sampling could transform your workflow.Do you want to learn more about how the Beckman Coulter DxH 520 and DxH 560 can improve efficiency, support difficult-draw patients, and enhance laboratory performance?
Contact our team today for a product demonstration, technical consultation, or workflow assessment. Because sometimes the biggest laboratory improvements start with the smallest sample.