Abbott Laboratories announced the worldwide launch of the CELL-DYN 1800 automated hematology analyzer, further enhancing the company's broad line of hematology systems.

The CELL-DYN 1800, designed to meet the growing needs of small-to-medium sized clinical laboratories that run complete blood counts (CBCs), provides a unique combination of features for hematology analyzers, including fast access to patient results and expanded data management capabilities, allowing laboratories to manage their operations more efficiently.

The CELL-DYN 1800 produces a CBC with 18 parameters, including histograms and a three-part differential in 60 seconds. This rapid turnaround allows physicians to see laboratory results in minutes so they can complete their evaluation of a patient during a single office visit. This increases patient satisfaction, as well as the efficiency of the practice.

"We've listened to our customers and acted on their suggestions to develop a small, efficient, reliable hematology instrument that is easy to use," said John Schueler, divisional vice president and general manager, hematology, Abbott Laboratories. "We believe the CELL-DYN 1800 is the ideal system for the clinical laboratory, providing not only improvements in analytical performance, but also enhanced efficiency."

Other features of the CELL-DYN 1800 include:

-- Handheld barcode reader to help eliminate data entry mistakes
-- Low glare LCD monitor
-- Data management system capable of storing 10,000 specimens
-- Three reagents
-- Small footprint (17" x 26"): allows the instrument to fit under standard cabinets and helps conserve laboratory space
-- Ability to store complete patient demographics

The CELL-DYN 1800 received marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May.

Other Abbott hematology analyzers include CELL-DYN 1200, CELL-DYN 1700, CELL-DYN 3200, CELL-DYN 3700, and CELL-DYN 4000, providing a full line of automated systems serving the entire hematology market.