Development of a calculation system for NAP score using Visual Basic for Applications

Abstract

Neutrophil alkaline phosphatase (NAP) activity in mature neutrophils has been used as an index for the diagnosis of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Furthermore, low or high NAP activity is also found during the diagnosis of some hematological diseases. That is why the NAP score, which is used for the assessment of NAP activity, is commonly used in routine work. In the inspection procedure of the NAP score, there is a risk of scoring miscalculation due to human error. Thus, we developed a calculation system for the NAP score using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), which is a standard function in Microsoft Excel. When we use this system, we can easily classify neutrophils on the basis of the NAP score, and there is no risk of scoring miscalculation. Furthermore, there is no development cost and thus the cost performance is perfect. This system will be very useful from the viewpoints of work efficiency and cost performance.