Hematology analyzers: special considerations for pediatric patients.

Development of hematology analyzers has been predicated on the use of adult blood specimens without consideration for the unique morphologic and cellular content seen in pediatric patient populations. Because both dramatic qualitative and quantitative cellular changes occur in red and white blood cells and platelets from birth to early adulthood, development of pediatric reference intervals is necessary. Because testing is often performed on a small volume of blood, laboratories are required to develop unique approaches in specimen handling and analysis. Many newer instruments offer alternative cellular analysis allowing for unique insights into the hematopoietic response in disease and nondisease states.