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Connecting a Sysmex XN-550 to your LIS or EHR
Quick answer
Yes. The XN-550 uses the Sysmex XN-L series ASTM host format and has both a LAN port and an RS-232C port for a host computer. With real-time host order turned on, it asks the host for each sample's orders and Catenix answers with what was ordered in your EHR. It can also run results-only.
The XN-550 is a 5-part differential haematology analyser in Sysmex's XN-L series, fitted with an autoloader sampler and cap piercer. It runs about 60 samples an hour for CBC or CBC+DIFF in whole blood mode (about 70 depending on configuration), or about 35 an hour with reticulocytes. Optional RET and body fluid modes are available.
The XN-L line is built for lower-volume haematology laboratories.
| What | How Catenix handles it |
|---|---|
| Analyser type | 5-part diff haematology (XN-L series), autoloader |
| Interface | Sysmex XN-L series ASTM host format |
| Physical link | LAN port and RS-232C port |
| Orders | Real-time host order, or results-only |
| Barcodes | Sampler reader plus optional USB hand-held; up to 22 digits |
| Throughput | About 60/hour CBC+DIFF; about 35/hour with RET |
Real-time host orders on the XN-550
The real-time host order setting applies separately to manual and sampler analysis. With it on, the XN-550 requests orders for each tube and Catenix replies with the EHR's tests. With it off, the analyser runs results-only, the operator selects tests, and Catenix matches each result to its order by sample ID.
The LAN port is the simplest route to the gateway. The RS-232C port can be used instead, through a serial device server.
Tube barcodes
The sampler barcode reader reads ITF, Codabar/NW7, Code 39, JAN/EAN/UPC, ISBT128 and Code 128, with sample numbers up to 22 digits. Check digits on tube barcodes are advised for the XN-550, so it is worth confirming your labels include them before go-live.
PLT-I and PLT-O in QC
The XN-550 reports QC for PLT-I and PLT-O as separate parameters in its host messages, so the receiving system must accept both. Catenix files each control run as QC rather than a patient result, maps both platelet parameters, grades them with Westgard rules against your targets and keeps Levey-Jennings history. A failed QC holds patient results for that test. The gateway reconnects after drops and stores results on site during internet outages.
Sysmex and XN-550 are trademarks of their owners. Catenix is an independent connectivity provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Sysmex.
Questions people ask
Can the Sysmex XN-550 download orders from an EHR?
Yes, with the real-time host order setting enabled. Catenix answers with the tests ordered in your EHR.
Does the XN-550 send QC results to the host?
Yes. QC results are sent, with PLT-I and PLT-O as separate parameters. Catenix files them as QC.
Does the XN-550 connect over the network or serial?
It has both a LAN port and an RS-232C port for a host computer.
Related: Lab analyzer to EHR for small labs · Sysmex XN-1000 connection · Sysmex XP-300 connection · 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 October 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.