CELLAVISION DM96 AUTOMATIC HEMATOLOGY ANALYZER
Overview
The CellaVision DM96 Automatic Hematology Analyzer was an automated image analysis system designed for the differential counting of white blood cells (WBCs) and characterization of red blood cells (RBCs) in peripheral blood smears. Launched in 2003 and discontinued in 2014, it significantly advanced laboratory efficiency by automating tasks traditionally performed manually under a microscope. The system utilized a slide feeder unit, a microscope with multiple objectives, a camera, and sophisticated acquisition and classification software, often leveraging artificial neural network technology for pre-classification of cells. It featured a 96-slide capacity with automatic oil dispensing and barcode reading, allowing for continuous loading and high throughput. Beyond blood smears, with specific applications, it could also analyze body fluids such as cerebrospinal, synovial, and pleural fluid. The DM96 aimed to reduce manual labor, improve consistency in cell classification, and provide digital archiving of images for review, training, and remote collaboration among medical professionals.
Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist
Key Features
- Automated differential counting of white blood cells (WBCs)
- Characterization of red blood cell (RBC) morphology
- Platelet estimation
- Digital image capture of blood and body fluid cells
- Pre-classification of cells using AI/artificial neural networks
- 96-slide capacity with continuous loading
- Automatic oil dispensing and barcode reading
- Remote review capabilities for supervisory analysis and collaboration
- Digital archiving of cell images and patient data
- Reduced manual labor and improved consistency in results
Use Cases
- Routine peripheral blood smear analysis
- Review of abnormal blood samples flagged by automated cell counters
- Analysis of body fluids (e.g., cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural fluid)
- Training and competency testing for medical technologists
- Remote consultation and collaboration among pathologists/hematologists
- Quality assurance and long-term case management through image archiving
What Physicians Need to Know
For physicians, the CellaVision DM96 provides access to standardized, high-quality digital images of blood and body fluid cells, facilitating remote review and consultation with hematopathologists. This can lead to quicker expert opinions and more consistent reporting. The system's ability to pre-classify abnormal cells, including blasts, helps ensure that critical findings are brought to attention efficiently. While the AI provides a strong initial assessment, always remember that final interpretation and clinical correlation remain crucial, especially for rare cell types or complex pathologies. The digital images also serve as an excellent educational and archival resource.
The CellaVision DM96 seamlessly integrates with existing LIS/LIMS environments through bi-directional ASTM communication, ensuring efficient transfer of patient orders and results. Its compatibility with automated slide preparation systems and hematology analyzers allows for a streamlined, end-to-end digital workflow in high-volume laboratories. This robust connectivity minimizes manual data entry, reduces errors, and enhances overall laboratory productivity and data integrity.
Details
| Category | Lab & Diagnostics, Pathology AI |
| Pricing | Contact vendor for pricing — Contact vendor for pricing |
| Deployment | On-premise (laboratory instrument with dedicated computer system) |
| Compliance | |
| BAA Available | Unknown AI-estimated |
| HIPAA Compliant | Unknown AI-estimated |
| FDA Status |
1 AI-estimated The CellaVision DM96 Automatic Hematology Analyzer received FDA 510(k) clearance (K033840) on February 10, 2004, as an automated cell-locating device intended for in-vitro diagnostic use. It automatically locates and presents images of blood cells on peripheral blood smears for operator identification and verification. |
| Integrations | |
| EHR | Not specified |
| Specialties | Hematology, Laboratory Medicine, Pathology |
What the Web Says
The CellaVision DM96 Automatic Hematology Analyzer is an automated digital image analysis system designed to streamline and simplify the process of performing blood and body fluid differentials in hematology laboratories. It automatically locates and preclassifies various types of white blood cells, characterizes red blood cell morphology, and performs platelet estimations. The system aims to reduce manual microscopy time, improve consistency, and facilitate remote review and collaboration among medical professionals.
Overall: PositiveStrengths
- Decreased eyestrain for medical technologists.
- Improved consistency among patient results.
- Advantages in training new personnel.
- Enables remote review of blood smears and real-time collaboration.
- High sensitivity and specificity for detecting blasts and unusual WBCs.
- Automates analysis for high-volume testing requirements, potentially reducing labor costs and improving throughput.
Limitations
- Limitations in accurately estimating platelets and red cell morphology.
- Difficulty in identifying certain red cell inclusions like Howell-Jolly bodies due to the inability to focus up and down.
- Can struggle with body fluids, especially those with low WBC counts, leading to analysis failures and backlogs.
- Pre-classification accuracy can vary for certain cell types, with lower correlations for rare cells like basophils and immature granulocytes.
- Older systems may experience decreased accuracy in cell identification over time.
- Requires high-quality stained blood smears for accurate assessment.
Based on reviews from: Performance evaluation and relevance of the CellaVisionu2122 DM96 system in routine analysis and in patients with malignant hematological diseases - PMC, Performance Evaluation of the CellaVision DM96 System WBC Differentials by Automated Digital Image Analysis Supported by an Arti - Oxford Academic, A survey study of benefits and limitations of using CellaVision DM96 for peripheral blood differentials - PubMed, Experience with CellaVision DM96 for peripheral blood differentials in a large multi-center academic hospital system - PMC, CellaVisionu00ae DM9600, A critical analysis of CellaVision systems in the modern hematology laboratory - PMC - NIH, (PDF) Performance Evaluation of the CellaVision DM96 System: WBC Differentials by Automated Digital Image Analysis Supported by an Artificial Neural Network - ResearchGate, CellaVisionu00ae DM9600 | Sysmex America, The history of CellaVision devices, Does your lab have Cellavision? What do you like or dislike about it? - Reddit, CellaVisionu00ae DM9600 - Laboratory Specialists International, critical analysis of CellaVision systems in the modern hematology laboratory | American Journal of Clinical Pathology | Oxford Academic, Minimal Hematology Analyzer Plus Blood Smear Digital Imaging/ Analysis Provides Better Clinical Hematology Results Than a Complex Hematology Analyzer Alone - American Society of Hematology, Detection of Intracellular Parasites by Use of the CellaVision DM96 Analyzer during Routine Screening of Peripheral Blood Smears - ASM Journals, Cellavision : r/medlabprofessionals - Reddit, Performance of the CellaVisionu00ae DM96 system for detecting red blood cell morphologic abnormalities - PMC, Performance of CellaVision DM96 in leukocyte classification - PMC - NIH, Tips for getting ready to use CellaVision : r/medlabprofessionals - Reddit
Last updated: 2026-07-21
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