Background:
Expert opinion is that automated cell counts are as reliable and less prone to human error compared to manual cell counts. Data on agreement between the two methods of cell counting for acutely inflamed joints is currently sparse and thus an area of need for further research.
Method:
Comparative analysis of automated vs manual cell counts of synovial fluid samples collected during routine inpatient and outpatient review over a period of 3 months at RPA hospital.
The two cell count results will be compared for (1) agreement between a manual and automated counter results and (2) the mean difference between the two methods will be estimated and the standard deviation of difference will be calculated.
Results: TBA
Conclusions: TBA