One of the challenges for laboratories performing diagnostic hematology is the harmonization of diagnostic process. This is a consequence of the rapid technological advancement that has characterized the recent development of automated blood cell counters, with new automation models and new types of parameters provided. In this context, the SIBioC Study Group of Diagnostic Hematology has conducted a survey among Italian laboratories. The aim was to focus on the different ways of organizing the service. The questionnaire consisted of 36 questions, made available on the SIBioC website for members and non members of the society. Responses were received via e-mail, regular mail or fax from 78 laboratories. The survey showed differences among laboratories with regard to the organizational models adopted, degree of automation and completeness of final laboratory reports. However, a relative homogeneity in the validation rules, review rate, turnaround time and amount and type of available resources was observed. An unexpected finding was the low relevance that the majority of laboratories gave to the occurrence of atypical lymphocytes, thus not reporting the presence of these cells in interpretative comments.