Hematology Analyzer

Output Format for Host Connection

Ref: RAA031CEN
Output Format for Host Connection

Output Format for Host Connection

Ref: RAA031CEN
Contents

1. Foreword..................................................................................................1
1.1. Document Update........................................................................................1

2. Introduction............................................................................................ 2

3. Protocol Configuration.......................................................................3
3.1. To Configure the Protocol (ABX Micros 60).....................................................3
3.2. To Configure the Protocol (ABX Micros CRP)..................................................3

4. ABX Format.............................................................................................4
4.1. Protocol Configuration..................................................................................4
4.2. Data Transmitted by the Analyzer to the Host................................................. 5
4.3. Histograms and Thresholds ..........................................................................8
4.4. Example of Data Frame................................................................................ 9

5. Argos Format....................................................................................... 11
5.1. Data Transmitted by the Host to the Analyzer............................................... 11
5.2. Data Transmitted by the Analyzer to the Host............................................... 11
5.3. Results Characteristics............................................................................... 12
5.4. Patient File Characteristics..........................................................................14
5.5. End of Communication............................................................................... 14

Output Format for Host Connection i

Ref: RAA031CEN
Output Format for Host Connection ii
Ref: RAA031CEN
Foreword
Document Update

1. Foreword

1.1. Document Update

1.1.1. Revisions

Software Version used for

Internal Reference Document Date Issued
Documentation
RAA031BEN - 07/2008
2.4.x (ABX Micros 60) / 2.5.x
RAA031CEN 02/2022
(ABX Micros CRP)

1.1.2. What's New?

Update Chapter
Introduction
Message Structure
Update Separation Thresholds
Packet Type
Example of Data Frame
To Configure the Protocol (ABX Micros 60)
Addition of protocol configuration information
To Configure the Protocol (ABX Micros CRP)
Addition of date format specification for Italian Identifier List (Instrument to Host)

Output Format for Host Connection 1

Ref: RAA031CEN
Introduction
Document Update

2. Introduction
The ABX Format is currently supported to be compliant with existing connections.
Different protocols can be used on HORIBA Medical instrument.
A connection between a computer (host) and a HORIBA Medical instrument can be
performed when the protocol, the format description and the connection mode have
been properly setup.

Term Definition Hexadecimal value

<STX> Start of frame $02
End of text. Required at the end of each
<ETX> $03
record.
<LF> Line feed $0A
<CR> Carriage return $0D
LIS Laboratory Information System

Output Format for Host Connection 2

Ref: RAA031CEN
Protocol Configuration
To Configure the Protocol (ABX Micros 60)

3. Protocol Configuration
7. Press Enter while pressing the Service key to validate your choice.

3.1. To Configure the Protocol (ABX Micros 60)

Access: Main Menu > 5 - Setup > 5 - Host options > 1 - Host comm.

You can choose the protocol format to use.

1. Select the required protocol format:

■ 1 - Format Argos
■ 3 - Format ABX
2. Press Enter to confirm.

3.2. To Configure the Protocol (ABX Micros CRP)

You can choose the protocol format to use.

1. Press the Service key on the operation panel.

2. Press the arrows to select the F3 function.
3. Press Enter while pressing the Service key to validate your choice.
4. Press Enter while pressing the Service key to validate your choice.
5. Press the Service key and the arrows to select the F35 function.
6. Select the required protocol format:
■ 2 - ARGOS
■ 3 - ABX

Output Format for Host Connection 3

Ref: RAA031CEN
ABX Format
Protocol Configuration

4. ABX Format
The ABX format supports unidirectional or bidirectional connections. Variable part:
The ABX Micros 60 / ABX Micros CRP instruments use only unidirectional mode. ■ Identifier followed by the information associated with the load type + carriage return
The ABX format can have a different number of fields according to the transmitted items (identifier: 1 byte moving about $21 to $FF, it describes the information type which
set up by the user (results, curves, flags, etc.) or to the type of cycle. follows this indicator, always followed by a blank character $20)
■ Remainder of the other Identifiers and Information associated with the load type
Fields sequence is not fixed. +carriage returns.
The result identifier is different according to the type of result: patient result ("RESULT"), ■ Other load type blocs + associated Information
QC result (QC-RES), etc.
Post-header:
■ Identifier followed by checksum + carriage return (checksum: Sum modulo 65536 of
all characters except ETX, STX and all information about checksum (identifier - space
- checksum - carriage return) in the hexadecimal format on 4 bytes, preceded by a
4.1. Protocol Configuration blank character $20).
■ ETX

4.1.1. Message Structure

Unidirectional mode

Instrument <> Host Comment

<STX> + RESULT + >
<ETX>

Lines structure
Header:
■ STX
■ Size + carriage return (Size: 5 bytes representing the total amount of the data except
STX and ETX)
■ Identifier followed by a load type + carriage return (Load: 8 character string preceded
by a blank indicating the type of data)

Output Format for Host Connection 4

Ref: RAA031CEN
ABX Format
Data Transmitted by the Analyzer to the Host

4.2. Data Transmitted by the Analyzer to the Host Identifier Correspondence Example Length Format
$74 t Sampling mode M: manual (open 2+1+1 String(1)
tube)
R: rack (close
tube)
$75 u Id # or sample id. 1450302154275- 2+16+1 String(16)
4.2.1. Packet Type 42
$76 v Id. or patient name SMITH Ronald 2+30+1 String(30)
The information described in the packet type allows the specification of the global $77 w Date of birth 16/03/72 2+8+1 nn/nn/nn
message content: hematological routine results or statistic results. or 03161972 or nnnnnnnn
$78 x Age 7d or 4w or 10m 2+3+1 String(3)
Data packet string (8 Use or 54y or 100
characters)
$79 y Sex 0, 1 or 2b 2+1+1 String(1)
RESULT Hematological result transmission on a routine mode
$7A z Origin x 2+1+1 String(1)
QC-RES Result transmission of a control blood
$7B { Doctor Dr Jones 2+15+1 String(15)
END Connection end
$7C | Department Cardiology 2+10+1 String(10)
$7D } Collection date 06/08/99 13h15 2+14+1 nn/nn/nn
nnhnn
$7E ~ Comments 2+32+1 String(32)
4.2.2. Identifier List (Instrument to Host) $7F Blood type manc 2+16+1 String(16)
$80 ç Analysis type A: CBC 2+1+1 String(1)
Identifier Correspondence Example Length Format D: LMG
$70 p Analyzer number 01 2+2+1 Integer $81 ü Sample rack type 0: 10 positions 2+1+1 Integer
$71 q Analysis date and time 31/12/99 2+19+1 String(19) 1: 15 positions
13h15mn31sa 2: 32 positions

$72 r Analyzer run number 115 or 2+16+1 String(16) $82 é Number of runs 0, 1, ... 2+1+1 Integer
005CBC06 $83 â Operator code Bob 2+3+1 String(3)
$73 s Analyzer sequence number a: In Italian, the hour separator "h" is replaced by an "a".
a: b: 0 or Blank: Unspecified, 1: Male, 2: Female.
In Italian, the hour separator "h" is replaced by an "a".
b: 0 or Blank: Unspecified, 1: Male, 2: Female. c: $7F must be one of the instrument blood type list. If not, it is generated according to the age

c: $7F must be one of the instrument blood type list. If not, it is generated according to the age ($78) or for adults by the sex ($79).
($78) or for adults by the sex ($79).

Output Format for Host Connection 5

Ref: RAA031CEN
ABX Format
Data Transmitted by the Analyzer to the Host

4.2.2.1. Numerical Results Fields CBC numerical result fields list

The instrument sends the results to the LIS in standard units. Identifier Correspondence Example Length
$21 ! WBC 07.40 2+String(7)+1
If one parameter cannot be calculated by the analyzer, the field is replaced with --.--.
$32 2 RBC 04.64 2+String(7)+1
Parameter status: Following the numerical field, a first digit gives the counting rejection
status or the suspicion, a second one gives the parameter value status according to high $33 3 HGB 14.17 2+String(7)+1
and low normal ranges, to high and low extreme values and to the overloading $34 4 HCT 43.95 2+String(7)+1
capacities. $35 5 MCV 94.68 2+String(7)+1
$36 6 MCH 30.53 2+String(7)+1
Identifier first digit $37 7 MCHC 32.24 2+String(7)+1
$38 8 RDW 12.98 2+String(7)+1
First digit (letter) Correspondence
$40 @ PLT 00401 2+String(7)+1
$52 R Parameter rejected for a counting default
$41 A MPV 07.94 2+String(7)+1
$42 B Incorrect balance between the counting methods
$42 B THT 0.318 2+String(7)+1
$53 S Suspicious parameter value
$43 C PDW 13.50 2+String(7)+1
$20 blank No anomaly observed

Identifier second digit LMG numerical result fields list

Identifier Correspondence Example Length

Second digit (letter) Correspondence
$21 ! WBC 07.40 2+String(7)+1
$42 B (french) or $4C L (other Parameter < to the lower extreme value
languages) $22 " Lymphocytes (#) 02.03 2+String(7)+1
l$62 b (french) or $6C l (other Parameter < to the low normal value $23 # Lymphocytes (%) 27.40 2+String(7)+1
languages) $24 $ Monocytes (#) 00.70 2+String(7)+1
$20 blank Parameter normal value $25 % Monocytes (%) 09.40 2+String(7)+1
$68 h Parameter > to the high normal value $26 & Granulocytes (#) 04.67 2+String(7)+1
$48 H Parameter > to the high extreme value $27 ' Granulocytes (%) 63.20 2+String(7)+1
$43 C Platelet concentrate $32 2 RBC 04.64 2+String(7)+1
$4F O Parameter exceeding the capacity $33 3 HGB 14.17 2+String(7)+1
$34 4 HCT 43.95 2+String(7)+1
Example: 5.5 millions RBC with a counting error in the standard units:
$35 5 MCV 94.68 2+String(7)+1
■ $32 $20 $30 $35 $2E $35 $30 $52 $68 $0D or
$36 6 MCH 30.53 2+String(7)+1
■ «2 05.50Rh» + carriage return

Output Format for Host Connection 6

Ref: RAA031CEN
ABX Format
Data Transmitted by the Analyzer to the Host

Identifier Correspondence Example Length 4.2.2.3. Pathology Messages Fields

$37 7 MCHC 32.24 2+String(7)+1
$38 8 RDW 12.98 2+String(7)+1 Each pathology is described by a group of 4 characters followed by a blank character,
except for the last pathology.
$40 @ PLT 00401 2+String(7)+1
$41 A MPV 07.94 2+String(7)+1 The content of the pathology depends on the chosen language.
$42 B THT 0.318 2+String(7)+1 Only detected pathologies are transmitted. A common header (????) to the 4 Pathology
message groups indicates that the pathological interpretation is impossible.
$43 C PDW 13.50 2+String(7)+1

Identifier Parameters Format Length

CRP numerical result fields list (ABX Micros CRP) $54 T WBC String of characters 2+(12(max.)x4)+1
$55 U RBC String of characters 2+(7(max.)x4)+1
Identifier Correspondence Example Length
$56 V PLT String of characters 2+(4(max.)x4)+1
$4B K C-Reactive protein .0600 2+String(7)+1

4.2.2.2. Flag Fields 4.2.2.4. Other Identifiers

Flags are transmitted in a comprehensive mode (same presentation than on the screen,
that is to say dependant from the language).
For $FB and $FF, the strings having less than 8 characters are completed on
They are replaced with blanks when the flag is not detected. the right side by blanks.

In the following tables, identifiers formats are separated by blanks only for a
better comprehension. Identifier Correspondence Format Length
$FB Analyzer namea Character string 2+8+1
$FC Number 8 hexadecimal bytes 2+8+1
Identifier list $FD 16 bits checksum value 4 hexadecimal bytes 2+4+1
$FE Version N° of Identifier String of characters: 2+5+1
Identifier Parameters Format Length list Vx.xx
$50 P WBC or LMG L1 M1 M2 G1 G2 G3 2+12+1 a: 8 characters: MICROS60, CRP
$53 S PLT Pc Sc Mc 2+6+1

For $FB and $FF, the strings having less than 8 characters are completed on
the right side by blanks.

Output Format for Host Connection 7

Ref: RAA031CEN
ABX Format
Histograms and Thresholds

4.3. Histograms and Thresholds For the analyzers in LMG mode, the 4-5 thresholds allow the separation of the
3 populations Lymphocytes, Monocytes and Granulocytes.
Example 1: output format of the WBC curve thresholds for an LMG sampling.
«] 000 000 000 040 060» + carriage return.

4.3.1. Histograms

Histograms are transmitted on 128 channels, preceded by a blank. They are

automatically re-scaled to a 223 maximum amplitude value. The zero amplitude value is
$20, the maximum amplitude value is $FF.

Extended format
The extended format includes all the height information relative to each channel. It is 4 = Lymphocytes/monocytes separation
constituted by a chart of 256 [RES] entries of 16 bits each. These 512 bytes chart is 5 = Monocytes/granulocytes separation
encoded before being transmitted.
The format is as follows: PLT thresholds
■ Identifier Threshold 1 is the number of the last channel used to calculate the PLT number.
■ Blank
■ Encoding type on 8 characters
■ Blank
■ Encoded data size on 5 characters
■ Blank
■ Data
■ Carriage return

4.3.2. Separation Thresholds Identifier Parameters Format Length

$57 W WBC Amplitude of each channel 2+128+1
It is the channel number (decimal value) enclosing areas on the histograms. Each $58 X RBC Amplitude of each channel 2+128+1
threshold is transmitted on 3 bytes preceded by a blank. $59 Y PLT Amplitude of each channel 2+128+1
$5D ] WBC thresholds 5 thresholds 1+20+1
WBC thresholds
$5F _ PLT thresholds 1 threshold 1+4+1
1-3 thresholds values are always 0 and concern other instruments.

Output Format for Host Connection 8

Ref: RAA031CEN
ABX Format
Example of Data Frame

Identifier Parameters Format Length @ 00422 h

$6C l WBC Extended format See description A 008.8
$6D m RBC Extended format See description # 033.1
$6E n PLT Extended format See description % 007.8
$6F o BAS Extended format See description ' 059.1
" 002.3
$ 000.5
& 004.3
W ':KSQVbzžÆíýÿïÞʱ-'skbXQMMICEIOMKOSVZ\^Z`gigeegmsvuqsvzqkkqxzxuovxxoimkke`
4.4. Example of Data Frame \TXSSKGEB>::<:421221-)''%#####!#!! ! ! %
X $%%"#"###&),:L^yœÔáÿäíÑȳžŒ }{}zrql|hi_dVUURKF=<7320-***'&&%$&#######"!!""!"!!! !! ! &
Y !"#$&'*-0357;?CGJMOPRSUVVXWXXYXXVURNMJHFCB@=;9643110/--,,-+**)))(''&&&%%%%%
%$%$$$$######""""""""!!!!!!!!""!!""""""!!""""""""#
S
4.4.1. Example of Result Sent by the Instrument _ 105
P L1
ÿ RESULT ] 000 000 000 025 035
p 66 Q
q 28/08/19 18h36mn03s û MICROS60
u 0000000000000001 þ V2.8
s 0001 ý A724
v AUTOSID001
tR
€D
! 007.1 4.4.2. Example of QC Result Sent by the Instrument
2 04.82
3 013.1 ÿ QC-RES
4 038.9 l p 44
5 00081 l q 13/10/09 17h15mn00s
6 027.1 u MX099N
7 033.6 s MX099N
8 016.0 h v MX099N

Output Format for Host Connection 9

Ref: RAA031CEN
ABX Format
Example of Data Frame

tR
€D
! 007.1
2 04.27
3 015.3
4 034.2 l
5 00080
6 035.8 h
7 044.8 h
8 013.5
@ 00225
A 006.9
B .156
C 014.8
# 030.0
% 007.8
' 062.2
" 002.1
$ 000.5
& 004.5
W """ )/4/-++2;Ohˆ³ØúÿüèÜÌÁ¨'}od][XVOMKKBB==;962//24222446642229;;;;?
BFMRXV[]fmtx}"†ŠŠ"˜ ¡¨ª£¦¨¡˜˜š-'-"† thaaa_XTRKF?=;9 † X "!"! " !"!"%&).5BN^{ ™®ÒÚñýÿþìðã̯ ™…
{h^OF=81.+*)&%&&%##&&$&%%$'%%$%&$#####"#"!!!!! $
Y %-;DMUZaakovz|zvoskkbaZVOLPVQE>ACA><8;:>883/+**+*+**'')+'%%&'&&#%%%%%%
%##"!"!"!""##""""!! !"##""""!!!!! !!!
S
_ 105
P
] 000 000 000 035 053
û MICROS60
þ V2.8

Output Format for Host Connection 10

Ref: RAA031CEN
Argos Format
Data Transmitted by the Host to the Analyzer

5. Argos Format
The Argos format is no longer supported on new system generation. 5.2. Data Transmitted by the Analyzer to the Host
The Argos format is a fixed format included between STX and ETX. These characters are
split into fields representing a transmitted item.

Example STX Data CRC ETX

Host <> Instrument Comments
Result STX "R" / ANALYZER # / N°ID / ID / etc. CRC ETX
<SOH> > Instrument takes the
Patient file STX "D" / ANALYZER # / N°ID / ID / etc. CRC ETX Line
End of STX "E" / ANALYZER # / etc. CRC ETX < <ENQ>
communication
<STX> + RESULT + >
<ETX>
The fields have a fixed length separated by the $0D character.
< <ACK>
.
.
5.1. Data Transmitted by the Host to the Analyzer .
<STX> + END + <ETX> > Instrument frees the
Line
< <ACK>
Host <> Instrument Comments
<SOH> > Host takes the Line
< <ENQ>
<STX> + FILE + <ETX> >
< <ACK>
.
.
.
<STX> + END + <ETX> > Host frees the Line
< <ACK>

Output Format for Host Connection 11

Ref: RAA031CEN
Argos Format
Results Characteristics

5.3. Results Characteristics Second digit (letter) Correspondence

H Parameter > to the high extreme value
O Parameter exceeding the capacity

5.3.1. Key
5.3.2. Result Format
Total ASCII characters emitted: 406
■ (-): blank $20 Result Format
■ (]): Carriage return $0D
■ CRC: exclusive «OR» of all the transmitted bytes except ETX and STX, then an Line Data Comments Length
inclusive «OR» with a $4O value. Line 1 STX ($02) Start of text 1
■ zzzzz: numeric field completed by zeros on the left. Example: 04.55 (decimal
R ($44) Character «R» 1
separation with a period). When the analyzer does not transmit parameters, the field
(zzzzz) replaces (--.--). zz] Analyzer No 2+1
■ Y: Alphanumeric character from $20 to $7F. Line 2 YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY] Identification No 16 + 1
■ #: blank ($20) if automatic sampling. Star ($2A) if manual sampling. Line 3 YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Identification 30 + 1
YYYYYYYYYYYYYY]
Line free format first digit (R: Reject)
Line 4 zz/zz/zz-zzhzzmnzzs#] Time & Date 20 + 1
First digit (letter) Correspondence Line 5 zzzzz-RN] WBC 8+1
R Parameter rejected for a counting default Line 6 zzzzz-RN] LYM# 8+1
B Incorrect balance between the counting Line 7 zzzzz-RN] LYM% 8+1
methods
Line 8 zzzzz-RN] MON# 8+1
S Suspicious parameter value
Line 9 zzzzz-RN] MON% 8+1
blank No anomaly observed
Line 10 zzzzz-RN] GRA# 8+1

Line free format second digit (N: Normalities) Line 11 zzzzz-RN] GRA% 8+1
Line 12 zzzzz-RN] NEU# 8+1
Second digit (letter) Correspondence Line 13 zzzzz-RN] NEU% 8+1
L Parameter < to the low extreme value Line 14 zzzzz-RN] EOS# 8+1
l Parameter < to the low normal value Line 15 zzzzz-RN] EOS% 8+1
blank Parameter normal value Line 16 zzzzz-RN] BAS# 8+1
h Parameter > to the high normal value Line 17 zzzzz-RN] BAS% 8+1
Line 18 zzzzz-RN] ALY# 8+1

Output Format for Host Connection 12

Ref: RAA031CEN
Argos Format
Results Characteristics

Line Data Comments Length Character French English

Line 19 zzzzz-RN] ALY% 8+1 F Nd RN
Line 20 zzzzz-RN] LIC# 8+1 G No NO
Line 21 zzzzz-RN] LIC% 8+1 H Co CO
Line 26 zzzzz-RN] RBC 8+1 I Ne NE
Line 27 zzzzz-RN] HGB 8+1 J X2 X2
Line 28 zzzzz-RN] HCT 8+1 K X3 X3
Line 29 zzzzz-RN] MCV 8+1 L MP MP
Line 30 zzzzz-RN] MCH 8+1 M LOW LOW
Line 31 zzzzz-RN] MCHC 8+1 N LAS LAS
Line 32 zzzzz-RN] RDW 8+1 O PIT PIT
Line 34 zzzzz-RN] PLT 8+1 P Mb MB
Line 35 zzzzz-RN] MPV 8+1 Q FIT FIT
Line 36 zzzzz-RN] PCT 8+1 R NRBC NRBC
Line 37 zzzzz-RN] PDW 8+1 S Bg LB
Line 38 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP WBC 5DIFF flags 21 + 1 T W1 W1
QRSTU]
U W2 W2
Line 39 LMMGGG] WBC LMG flag 6+1
Line 40 PSM] PLT flags 3+1 LMG Flags (Line 39)
Line 41 CRC 1
Line 42 ETX ($03) End of text 1 Character French English
Total: 406 L L1 L1
M M1 M1
WBC 5DIFF Flags (Line 38) M M2 M2
G G1 G1
Character French English G G2 G2
A Lg LL G G3 G3
B Ln NL
C Mn MN
D Ng LN
E Md RM

Output Format for Host Connection 13

Ref: RAA031CEN
Argos Format
Patient File Characteristics

PLT Flags (Line 40) Line Data Comments Length

Line 5 YYY] Age 3+1
Character French English
Line 6 z] Sex 1+1
P PEC SCL
Line 7 Y] From 1+1
S SCH SCH
Line 8 YYYYYYYYYYYYYYY] Doctor 15 + 1
M MIC MIC
Line 9 YYYYYYYYYY] Department 10 + 1
Line 10 YYYYYYYYYYYYYY] Sampling date 14 + 1
Line 11 YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Comments 32 + 1
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY]
5.4. Patient File Characteristics Line 12 CRC 1
Line 13 ETX ($03) End of text 1
Total: 147

5.4.1. Key

■ (]): Carriage return $0D.

■ CRC: Exclusive “OR” of all the transmitted bytes, except ETX and STX, then the 5.5. End of Communication
inclusive “OR” with a $40 value.
■ Y, Z: Alphanumeric character from $20 to $7F.

5.4.2. Patient File Format 5.5.1. Key

■ (]): Carriage return $OD.

Line Data Comments Length ■ CRC: Exclusive “OR” of all the transmitted bytes, except ETX and STX, then the
Line 1 STX ($02) Start of text 1 inclusive “OR” with a $40 value.
D ($44) Character «D» 1 ■ zz: Number of the analyzer.
zz] Analyzer No 2+1
Line 2 YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY] Identification No 16 + 1
Line 3 YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Identification 30 + 1
YYYYYYYYYYYYYY]
Line 4 zz/zz/zz] Date of birth 8+1

Output Format for Host Connection 14

Ref: RAA031CEN
Argos Format
End of Communication

5.5.2. Line Free Format

Line Data Comments Length

Line 1 STX ($02) Start of text 1
E ($45) Character «E» 1
zz] Analyzer No 2+1
Line 2 CRC 1
Line 3 ETX ($03) End of text 1
Total: 7

Output Format for Host Connection 15

Ref: RAA031CEN
Argos Format
End of Communication

Output Format for Host Connection 16

Ref: RAA031CEN