Flagging Performance of Sysmex XN-10 Haematology Analyser for Malaria Detection

Aim: The aim was to assess the flagging performance of Sysmex XN-10 haematology analyser for malaria detection through the parasitic red blood cell ('pRBC') alarm.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 584 blood samples performed on the Sysmex XN-10 analyser that were tested for malaria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and prevalence were established for the pRBC alarm.

Results: Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the pRBC flag were 7.8%, 100%, 100% and 87.7%, respectively. The prevalence of pRBC flag of 0.026% in the overall population was significantly different from the prevalence of 1.027% in the population tested for malaria.

Conclusions: Considering the excellent specificity and the low prevalence of the flag in the overall population, we suggest, in case of the presence of pRBC flag, the implementation of a rapid review of the blood smear looking for , mostly if the patient had fever and had not been tested for malaria.