Final answer:
In veterinary settings, newer hematology analyzers use impedance methods to determine cell size and concentration in blood samples by measuring changes in electrical resistance as cells disrupt a current between two electrodes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Newer hematology analyzers designed for processing animal blood samples often utilize impedance methods. These instruments measure the changes in electrical resistance, or impedance, as cells pass through a small aperture in a glass tube suspended in an electrolyte solution, one electrode inside the tube and another outside. As each cell disrupts the current, it is detected and counted, allowing for the analysis of cell size and concentration within the sample.
This technology is critical for veterinary settings, allowing for a more accurate assessment of animal health through detailed blood analysis. The impedance method is just one among other methods like flow cytometry, which uses fluorescence to analyze cells, and mass spectrometry for identifying biomolecules. These advancements demonstrate the importance of the intersection between technology and biology in modern diagnostics.