Comparison of an image cytometry somatic cell count analyzer to a flow cytometry analyzer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance a small footprint benchtop somatic cell counter based on image cytometry (LactiCyte HD; Page and Pedersen International Ltd., Hopkinton, MA) against flow cytometer employed at regional dairy herd improvement (DHI) laboratory. Milk samples collected during monthly DHI testing were split into 2 samples. One sample evaluated using (Bentley SomaCount FCM; Bentley Instruments, Chaska, MN) laboratory, whereas other different levels (full number images, 16 pictures per slide; half 8 slide). Mean bias images −15,500 cells/mL, 21,800 cells/mL. When considering only counts ≤400,000 cells mL, for both imaging resolutions positive, meaning read higher than cytometer. Both (16 8) had concordance correlation coefficient greater 0.95. Considering ≥200,000 cells/mL be indicative subclinical mammary gland infection, sensitivity specificity 92.0% 91.7%, analyzer 85.7%, respectively. Method precision (repeatability; coefficients variation) calculated 3 (100,000, 200,000, 400,000 cells/mL) where each run repeatedly 12 times. analyzed full variation 16.9%, 11.7%, 10.9% 100,000, Analysis resulted in 18.9%, 24.8%, 8.7% We conclude that is an acceptable count on-farm use applications such as screening cows microbiological testing, superior when analysis performed allowed by instrument.