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Connecting a HORIBA ABX Pentra 60 to your LIS or EHR
Quick answer
Yes. HORIBA says the ABX Pentra 60 C+ transmits patient and QC data to a LIS over a uni- or bi-directional connection, using the ABX or ASTM protocol. Catenix reads that output and files the results in your LIS or EHR. The port and settings in use are confirmed on your unit during setup.
The ABX Pentra 60 is a compact closed-tube 5-part analyser. It draws 30 microlitres for a blood count, or 53 for a count with differential, and runs up to 60 samples an hour. HORIBA's DHSS method combines cytochemistry, impedance and light absorbance, and basophils are counted in a channel of their own.
The facts on this page come from HORIBA's listing for the Pentra 60 C+, the version run from a workstation PC with a 15 inch monitor. An older Pentra 60 without that workstation can differ in memory and ports.
| What | How Catenix handles it |
|---|---|
| Parameters | 26, of which ALY, LIC, PCT and PDW are research use only |
| Micro-sampling | 30 microlitres CBC, 53 microlitres CBC + DIFF |
| Tube handling | Closed tube, up to 60 samples per hour |
| Protocols | ABX and ASTM |
| Direction | Uni- or bi-directional |
| Workstation ports | At least 2 serial ports |
| QC on the workstation | 12 QC files, Levey-Jennings graphs |
ASTM or the ABX format
HORIBA lists two protocols for the Pentra 60 C+: its own ABX format and ASTM. For a connection we use the one your analyser is set to send, and the choice is recorded at setup together with the serial settings.
HORIBA lists at least two serial ports on the workstation. A serial port is reached through a small serial device server, which carries the line over the lab network to the Catenix gateway. The gateway re-opens the connection by itself if the network drops.
One-way or two-way, and the optional barcode reader
The link can be set up uni-directional, results only, or bi-directional. Which one your lab runs is agreed during setup. Samples are identified by an alphanumeric ID, typed in or scanned with the optional barcode reader, and that ID is how Catenix finds the matching order in the EHR. A result with no matching order is not guessed at: it waits for review.
Of the 26 parameters, HORIBA marks atypical lymphocytes, large immature cells, PCT and PDW as research use only. Those can be left out when the analyser's codes are mapped to your EHR's.
Patient and QC data arrive together
HORIBA states that both patient and QC data are transmitted. Catenix sorts the control runs into QC, where they are graded with Westgard rules and plotted on Levey-Jennings charts next to the 12 QC files the workstation already keeps. A failed control holds patient results for the test involved.
The workstation stores 10,000 results. In Catenix each transmitted message is kept with its result, and results are held on site whenever the internet is down.
HORIBA and ABX Pentra are trademarks of their owners. Catenix is an independent connectivity provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by HORIBA.
Questions people ask
Which LIS protocols does the ABX Pentra 60 C+ support?
HORIBA lists the ABX format and ASTM.
Is the Pentra 60 connection bidirectional?
HORIBA describes a uni- or bi-directional connection. The mode your lab uses is agreed during setup.
Does the Pentra 60 send QC results to the LIS?
Yes. HORIBA states that it transmits patient and QC data.
Related: HORIBA Micros ES 60 connection · HORIBA Yumizen H500 connection · HL7, POCT1-A2 and ASTM explained · Device library
Product and company names are trademarks of their owners and are used for identification only. Catenix moves, stores and displays results with traceability; it does not interpret results or give clinical advice. Reviewed November 2026.
Tell us your setup
Send us your analyser and the system you want results in, and we will confirm how it connects, usually within one working day. Ask about your setup.