Nihon Kohden has launched MEK-1305 Celltac α+, an Automated Hematology and ESR Analyzer, in overseas markets. MEK-1305 is the world’s first hematology analyzer which can measure complete blood count (CBC)~{*1} including white blood cell 3-part differential~{*2}and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)~{*3} simultaneously. The Company developed MEK-1305 based on the concept of providing rapid and accurate test results, which are important for understanding the clinical condition of patients.
ESR is the rate at which red blood cells settle and is measured internationally, mainly in emerging countries, for screening and follow-up of inflammation such as rheumatism and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. The conventional ESR measurement method takes at least 60 minutes to read the result, but MEK-1305 realizes simultaneous ESR and CBC measurement in as short a time as approx. 2 minutes. Since the test results can be confirmed immediately after blood drawing, it is expected to contribute to the accurate diagnosis of disease conditions and decision-making for treatment in clinical practice.
Together with the other MEK-1300 series of automated hematology analyzers Celltac α (MEK-1301/1302), which are for CBC measurement only, the Company expects to sell more than 2,000 units in the next three years, mainly to overseas clinical laboratories. At the time of this press release, whether the product will launch in Japan is not yet determined.
The main features of this product are as follows:
1. Realizes rapid simultaneous CBC and ESR measurements with a single EDTA 2K~{*4} tube
MEK-1305 realizes simultaneous CBC and ESR measurements in approx. 2 minutes with a single aspiration, which requires less blood sample volume than the amount used in the conventional ESR test method and is expected to contribute to the efficiency of laboratory operations, accurate diagnosis of disease conditions and decision-making for treatment.
2. Equipped with Nihon Kohden's unique, CiRHEX TechnologyTM for ESR measurement
No additional reagents are required because 1-hour ESR value displayed on MEK-1305 is calculated based on hematocrit (HCT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) obtained from CBC measurement as well as the syllectrogram~{*5} obtained by the ESR measurement unit. The ESR results on the MEK-1305 are highly correlated with the values from the Westergren method,~{*6} which was used as the reference method.
3. Equipped with the DynaHelix Flow TechnologyTM used in high-end models
MEK-1305 is equipped with Nihon Kohden's unique DynaHelix Flow Technology for measuring blood cells, which has been newly adopted from MEK-9100 Celltac G, a high-end model of automated hematology analyzer. This technology utilizes hydrodynamic-focused sheath flow to prevent the risk of re-entry of counted blood cells, which causes measurement errors. In particular, the reproducibility of platelet counts (PLTs) is improved compared to our previous model.
4. Improving clinical value by adding research parameters
MEK-1305 provides research parameters such as Mentzer Index~{*7} and RDWI~{*8}, which have been of interest in screening for thalassemia~{*9}, as well as NLR~{*10} which is an indicator of inflammation.
<Key Specifications>
| Measurement parameters | WBC, LY%, MO%, GR%, LY#, MO#, GR#, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW-CV, RDW-SD, PLT, PCT, MPV, PDW, P-LCR, P-LCC, ESR |
|---|---|
| Research parameters | Mentzer Index, RDWI, ESR HCT Corr., ESR TEMP Corr., SA, AMP, AI, MIN, t1/2, NLR |
| Throughput |
CBC + WBC 3-part differential: Approx. 60 samples/h |
| Sample volume | CBC + WBC 3-part differential: 20 μL CBC + WBC 3-part differential + ESR: 80 μL |
| Measuring range | ESR: 0 - 200 mm |
| Dimensions / weight | 230 W x 450 D x 428 H mm, 21 kg |
<Glossary>
*1 Complete blood count (CBC)
A basic screening test to diagnose or monitor various types of diseases and other conditions including anemia, infectious diseases, and bleeding. The number and size of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets is measured and used to understand patients’ condition.
*2 White blood cell 3-part differential
The general role of white blood cells is the body’s natural defense. Depending on their roles, white blood cells are classified into three types: lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes. Granulocytes are classified into neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
*3 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
General inflammatory markers. ESR is measured for screening diseases at the patients’ first visit or for diagnosing chronic inflammatory diseases. The level of ESR is higher in acute infections, chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis) and chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatism, collagen disease).
*4 EDTA 2K (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dipotassium salt)
An anticoagulant that removes calcium ions from blood samples for CBC.
*5 Syllectrogram
A waveform representing the intensity of light passing through the blood, which changes over time after the commencement of red blood cell aggregation and rouleaux formation.
*6 The Westergren method
ESR measurement method by using vertically mounted glass or plastic tube in which venous blood with anticoagulation additives is placed. In this method, the length of plasma in the supernatant is measured after settling for 1 hour.
*7 Mentzer Index
An index used as a reference for diagnosing beta thalassemia or hypoferric anemia. The Mentzer Index is the mean corpuscular volume divided by the red blood cell count.
*8 RDWI (Red cell volume Distribution Width Index)
An index used as a reference for diagnosing beta thalassemia or hypoferric anemia. RDWI is calculated using the mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width and red blood cell count.
*9 Thalassemia
An inherited disease that causes hemolytic anemia. Thalassemia consists of alpha thalassemia due to low alpha-globin chain levels and beta thalassemia due to low beta-globin chain levels.
*10 NLR (Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio)
An inflammatory marker. NLR is utilized for the prediction of COVID-19 severity.
<Product Photo>
MEK-1305 Celltac α+, Automated Hematology and ESR Analyzer
(only available in certain overseas markets, not yet launched in Japan)
