Laboratory of Morphology and Cytochemistry

The laboratory is newly equipped with two blood count analyzers, an automatic coating and colouring machine and digital morphology devices. An XN-20 analyzer measures and evaluates more blood count parameters than usual analyzers (for instance immature reticulated platelets). Coating and colouring is done on an SP-10 automatic machine. An important part in the morphological evaluation of peripheral blood coating is played by digital devices (DM 96 a DI 60) which use the principle of digital data (photo) transfer and plot relative numbers of individual photographed cells, and with the help of images they evaluate erythrocytes and platelets.

In the routine daily operation the laboratory examines blood count, including instrument leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation; it performs cytological analysis of peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspirate, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural liquid, ascitic liquid and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. A total of 12 cytochemical examinations facilitate accurate morphological diagnostics and monitoring of hematologic diseases.

In the framework of its competences, the laboratory also provides specialist consultation of bone marrow aspirate (2^nd reading) and in statim operation. Furthermore, the laboratory processes bone marrow (trephine biopsy) for histological examination. MUDr. Vít Campr from the Institute of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at the 2^nd Faculty of Medicine in the University Hospital in Motol provides complete histological diagnosis from trephine biopsies of bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen or other tissues.

Certified laboratory staff members are engaged in postgraduate morphology courses in the framework of pre-specialization preparation of physicians and university bioanalytical specialists in the field of “Hematology and Transfusion Service”, and courses of morphology for laboratory technicians.

Every year, the laboratory successfully meets external quality control conditions in the framework of the SEKK s.r.o. company, namely blood count measuring, including reticulocyte parameters and leukocyte count with an analyzer, in microscopic evaluation of peripheral blood smear. It is one of reference laboratories of the group of expert centres (Czech abbreviation SEP) for microscopic analysis of peripheral blood smear in the framework of the SEKK s.r.o. company.