The BK 6310 is an automated hematology analyzer that helps laboratories produce reliable Complete Blood Count results along with a five-part White Blood Cell differential.
It supports routine patient testing, urgent care work, and quality checks for clinical programs. This guide explains how the analyzer works, how to run samples, how to review results, and how to judge accuracy.
The language is simple, the flow is practical, and the goal is to help a reader who wants a clear path from sample to report.
What the BK 6310 Does
A Complete Blood Count measures core blood components. The BK 6310 provides red cell, white cell, and platelet parameters, and it also provides a five-part breakdown of white cells.
This five-part breakdown separates neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. The analyzer supports both venous and capillary samples.
It uses a small amount of blood and can process many samples per hour. Results include numeric values and visual plots that help confirm data quality and flag abnormal patterns.
When to Use CBC and When to Use CBC with Differential
A Complete Blood Count without a differential provides answers to basic questions, such as anemia screening or platelet count monitoring.
A Complete Blood Count with differential answers clinical questions that need white cell patterns.
For example, an elevated neutrophil count may suggest a bacterial process, while an elevated lymphocyte count may be associated with a viral process or a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder.
A laboratory can select the mode based on the request form or a reflex rule.
Comparison with Typical Three-Part Instruments
Some small instruments provide a three-part differential. The BK 6310 provides a five-part differential. The two extra categories help clinicians by showing eosinophils and basophils as separate values instead of grouping them with other cells.
This can improve the detection of allergy patterns or specific hematologic disorders. The three-dimensional scatter and stronger optics also improve flag performance and reduce the number of smears that must be reviewed.
A laboratory that upgrades from a three-part instrument will often see clearer patterns and more confident decisions.
Key Parameters and Typical Uses
| Category | Parameter examples | What it shows | Typical clinical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red cells | RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW | Oxygen carrying capacity and red cell size spread | Anemia classification and therapy monitoring |
| White cells total | WBC | Overall immune cell level | Infection screening and oncology baselines |
| White cells differential five-part | NEU, LYM, MON, EOS, BAS (percent and absolute counts) | Balance of five white cell types | Infection pattern review, allergy and asthma programs, and hematology evaluation |
| Platelets | PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, P LCR | Primary hemostasis and platelet size spread | Bleeding risk assessment and therapy follow up |
| Graphics | Histograms and three-dimensional scatter plots | Visual clusters and flag support | Manual smear trigger and quality review |
Accuracy Concepts That Matter
Accuracy depends on the instrument design, the reagents, the controls, and the operator. The BK 6310 uses multiple detection principles to reduce error. It supports quality controls with known targets.
It integrates with laboratory systems to reduce manual transcription. Accuracy for red cell and hemoglobin values is usually very strong when the sample is mixed well and taken from a clean venipuncture.
Platelet counts can be affected by cold agglutinins or clumping. White cell differential accuracy improves with the three-dimensional scatter and with proper daily calibration.
CBC Mode versus CBC with Differential on the BK 6310
| Feature | CBC only | CBC with differential |
|---|---|---|
| Red cell indices | Provided | Provided |
| Hemoglobin and hematocrit | Provided | Provided |
| Platelet count and indices | Provided | Provided |
| White cell total | Provided | Provided |
| Five-part white cell counts | Not provided | Provided |
| Graphics scatter plots | Basic histograms | Histograms plus three-dimensional scatter |
| Typical use | Anemia review and therapy follow-up | Infection pattern review and hematology cases |
Step-by-Step Sample Workflow
- Verify that the instrument passed the daily quality control. Review control charts and lock the run if values are in range.
- Label the patient tube and mix it gently to resuspend cells. Do not shake the tube hard.
- Check for clots or hemolysis. Reject the sample if the quality is poor and request a new draw.
- Place the tube on the instrument sample holder. Select CBC or CBC with differential based on the order.
- Start the run and wait for the analyzer to aspirate the sample and process it.
- Review numeric results for red cells, white cells, and platelets. Compare with the laboratory reference intervals.
- Review the histograms and the three-dimensional scatter plot. Confirm that clusters look clean and that flags are not present.
- If a flag appears or if the values look unusual, prepare a blood smear and perform a manual check under the microscope.
- Release the results to the laboratory information system after all checks are complete.
Understanding the White Cell Differential
The five-part differential is central to the value of the BK 6310. The instrument separates five types based on size, internal granules, and light scatter properties.
- Neutrophils increase in many acute bacterial processes and also after some stress or steroid use.
- Lymphocytes increase in many viral processes and some chronic hematologic conditions.
- Monocytes reflect chronic inflammation and recovery states, and they may rise in certain infections.
- Eosinophils increase in allergy, asthma, and some parasitic conditions.
- Basophils are usually low, but they may rise in specific myeloproliferative states and some allergic cases.
The analyzer reports both percent and absolute counts. The absolute counts are often more useful because they adjust for the total white cell count.
Typical Precision and Carryover Targets
| Parameter group | Precision (coefficient of variation) target | Carryover target | Notes for users |
|---|---|---|---|
| White cells | Near 2% or better in the normal range | At or below 0.5% | Re-run if flags or large shifts appear |
| Red cells and hemoglobin | Near 1.5% or better in the normal range | At or below 0.5% | Mix the sample gently to avoid errors |
| Platelets | Near 4% or better in the normal range | At or below 1.0% | Check smear clumps if they are suspected |
These targets are general guides for modern analyzers in this class. Your specific instrument documentation provides official values. Use laboratory controls to verify that your unit meets its targets each day.
How to Judge a Result Before Release
A simple decision path helps busy staff.
- Confirm that controls were in range for the day. If not, stop and correct before patient testing.
- Check that the patient identifiers match and that the sample quality is acceptable.
- Confirm that red cell indices and hemoglobin align with the clinical picture. For example, a very low mean corpuscular volume with low hemoglobin suggests iron deficiency until proven otherwise.
- Review the white cell total and the five-part values. If there is a very high white count or a very low white count, confirm with a smear and notify the clinician per policy.
- Review platelets and mean platelet volume. If platelets are very low and the histogram looks irregular, check a smear for clumps and consider a citrate sample if needed.
- Release results and document any manual actions.
Common Flags and Practical Responses
An analyzer may raise flags when it sees patterns that fall outside normal cluster shapes. Here is how to respond in simple steps.
- Abnormal white cell scatter. Prepare a smear and perform a manual differential. Consider a repeat run after gentle mixing.
- Platelet clots are suspected. Prepare a smear. If clumps are present, recollect the sample or collect in citrate and adjust the count per policy.
- Red cell agglutination suspected. Warm the sample as per policy and rerun. If the issue persists, consult the pathologist.
- Presence of immature granulocytes or blasts is suspected. Perform a smear review, escalate to a senior technologist, and notify the clinician according to the critical value policy.
Practical Tips for Sample Handling
Good preanalytic work protects accuracy.
- Rain phlebotomy staff on gentle inversion of tubes to mix anticoagulant. Avoid foaming.
- Avoid long delays between collection and analysis. If a delay is expected, follow storage recommendations for temperature and time.
- Reject clotted samples. Document and request a repeat collection.
- For capillary samples, ensure proper technique and avoid tissue fluid dilution. Wipe away the first drop and collect the next drops smoothly.
Throughput and Workflow Planning
The BK 6310 can complete a large number of tests in one hour and supports both routine and urgent work. Plan the workflow so that quality controls are run at the start of the shift and after major maintenance.
Group routine samples and then insert urgent samples between groups to shorten waiting time. Use the laboratory information system to create rules for reflex testing and smear review.
This reduces manual decisions and improves consistency across shifts.
Maintenance That Supports Accuracy
Good maintenance prevents drift and reduces downtime.
- Perform daily startup checks and run commercial controls. Record results on a Levey Jennings chart.
- Clean the sample probe and waste lines as instructed by the manufacturer. Replace filters at the recommended interval.
- Calibrate on schedule. Use traceable standards and document the process.
- Review reagent lot changes with parallel testing. Keep old and new lots and compare results for several patient samples.
- Schedule professional service visits as required. Keep a log of parts replaced and firmware updates.
Conclusion
The BK-6310 Analyzer stands out as a reliable choice for laboratories and hospitals that need both speed and precision in hematology testing.
Its ability to deliver accurate Complete Blood Count and WBC Differential results, along with strong consistency in comparison to other analyzers, makes it a dependable tool for medical professionals.
By reducing manual errors and providing trustworthy data, it improves diagnostic confidence and supports better patient care. For facilities looking to upgrade their hematology equipment, the BK-6310 Analyzer proves to be a strong investment in accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.
FAQs
How much blood does the analyzer need?
The analyzer needs a small volume of whole blood. There is a mode for Complete Blood Count only and a mode for Complete Blood Count with differential. Both modes are designed to keep the volume low while maintaining accuracy.
Can the analyzer support urgent testing?
Yes. The instrument provides fast processing and can insert urgent samples into the queue. Results move quickly to the laboratory system when connected.
How does the instrument help reduce errors?
The instrument combines several detection methods, stores results, integrates with the laboratory system, and supports bar code or radio frequency identification features. These features reduce manual steps and lower the chance of transcription errors.