Example of WBC differential reference ranges
| Cell type | Adult reference range (× 10 9 /L) | Adult reference range (percentage) |
| Neutrophils | 1.7–7.5 | 50–70 |
| Lymphocytes | 1.0–3.2 | 18–42 |
| Monocytes | 0.1–1.3 | 2–11 |
| Eosinophils | 0.0–0.3 | 1–3 |
Full Answer
What does white blood cell count and differential mean?
White blood count results are often compared with results of other blood tests, including a blood differential. A blood differential test shows the amount of each type of white blood cell, such as neutrophils or lymphocytes. Neutrophils mostly target bacterial infections. Lymphocytes mostly target viral infections.
What if white cell is higher than red blood cell?
High white blood cell count isn't a specific disease, but it can indicate other problems such as, infection, stress, inflammation, trauma, allergies or certain other diseases. So, a high white blood cell count usually requires further investigation. Low RBC count usually refers to the anemic condition of the body.
How to improve your white blood cells naturally?
Top 10 Natural Ways to Increase Your White Blood Cell Count and Immune System
- Vitamin E. Although this little vitamin doesn’t get the press that vitamin C does, it’s one of the most important antioxidant and immune boosters around.
- Zinc. This little-thought-of mineral is vital for the production of white blood cells that fight infection.
- Selenium. ...
- Green Tea. ...
- Vitamin C. ...
- Carotenoids. ...
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids. ...
- Vitamin A. ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Garlic. ...
What is an abnormal white blood cell differential?
White Blood Cells: WBCs are the core of the immune system that fights against infection. Abnormally high levels of WBCs indicate you might have inflammation. Similarly, low levels indicate you are at a risk for infection. Red Blood Cells: RBCs act as an oxygen delivery carrier throughout the body. If the red blood cell count is lower than normal, then you may experience low oxygen supply which as a consequence you’ll encounter fatigue, weakness, and anemia.
What is a normal differential count for WBC?
Normal Results The normal number of WBCs in the blood is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter (4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What does high white blood cell differential mean?
There are many reasons your blood differential test results may be higher or lower than normal. For example, a high white blood cell count may mean you have an infection, an immune disorder, leukemia, or an allergic reaction. A low count may be caused by bone marrow problems, reactions to medicines, or cancer.
What can the results of a white blood cell differential test indicate?
A differential blood count is a blood test to check your white blood cell levels, which can indicate the presence of infection, disease, or an allergic reaction.
Which WBC differential indicates a viral infection?
A blood differential test shows the amount of each type of white blood cell, such as neutrophils or lymphocytes. Neutrophils mostly target bacterial infections. Lymphocytes mostly target viral infections. A higher than normal amount of neutrophils is known as neutrophilia.
What is a dangerously high WBC count?
If you have WBC counts between 50,000 and 100,000 per microliter of blood, it may mean that you have a severe infection, organ rejection, or a solid tumor. Very high WBC counts over 100,000 generally only occur with conditions like leukemia or other types of blood and bone marrow cancer.
What is an alarming WBC count?
In general, for adults a count of more than 11,000 white blood cells (leukocytes) in a microliter of blood is considered a high white blood cell count.
How do you read WBC results?
A healthy person has an ANC between 2,500 and 6,000. The ANC is found by multiplying the WBC count by the percent of neutrophils in the blood. For instance, if the WBC count is 8,000 and 50% of the WBCs are neutrophils, the ANC is 4,000 (8,000 × 0.50 = 4,000). When the ANC drops below 1,000 it is called neutropenia .
What WBC count indicates leukemia?
Effects of Too Many White Blood Cells Typically a healthy person has a white blood cell count of about 4,000-11,000. Patients with acute or even chronic leukemia may come in with a white blood cell count up into the 100,000-400,000 range.
What lab values indicate infection?
What blood tests are done in bacterial infections?Full blood count —a bacterial infection often raises the white cell count with neutrophilia.C-reactive protein (CRP) — this is elevated above 50 in serious bacterial infections.Procalcitonin — a marker of generalised sepsis due to bacterial infection.More items...
Which WBC is elevated in bacterial infection?
Neutrophils are by far the most common form of white blood cells that you have in your body (pus is simply dead neutrophils). Neutrophils are infection fighters that increase during bacterial infections (neutrophils are also known as granulocytes (grans), polys, PMNs, or segs).
How do you tell if an infection is viral or bacterial?
Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, while viral infections are caused by viruses....Bacterial InfectionsSymptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last.Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus.Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving.
What infections cause white blood cells to be high?
Advertising & SponsorshipAcute lymphocytic leukemia.Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)Allergy, especially severe allergic reactions.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.Chronic myelogenous leukemia.Drugs, such as corticosteroids and epinephrine.Infections, bacterial or viral.Myelofibrosis (a bone marrow disorder)More items...•
What is a WBC?
Blumenreich. Definition. White blood cells (WBC) are a heterogeneous group of nucleated cells that can be found in circulation for at least a period of their life. Their normal concentration in blood varies between 4000 and 10,000 per microliter.
What is the role of white blood cells in phagocytosis?
They play a most important role in phagocytosis and immunity and therefore in defense against infection. White blood cells (WBC) are a heterogeneous group of nucleated cells that can be found in circulation for at least a period of their life. Their normal concentration in blood varies between 4000 and 10,000 per microliter.
How long do neutrophils live in the vascular endothelium?
Only the circulating neutrophils are accounted for in the WBC count. The half-life of mature neutrophils in circulation is about 7 hours. They irreversibly traverse the vascular endothelium into the tissues, where they die after 1 or 2 days.
What is the role of leukocyte peroxidase in a cell?
Leukocyte peroxidase, which is present in myeloid cells and ANLL (acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia) blasts. It plays a role in the killing of bacteria. It is not found in ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) cells.
What is the function of lymphocytes?
They belong to the B (bursa or bone marrow) or T (thymus) systems. Both cells are morphologically indistinguishable. The B system is responsible for synthesis of antibodies. When a B cell is properly stimulated, it proliferates first and transforms later into a plasma cell, the effector limb of the immune arch. Each B lymphocyte is able to synthesize only one species of antibody.
How to assess T cell immunity?
The simplest way to assess the function of the cellular (T cell) immune system is delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity. Several antigens (PPD, mumps, histoplasmin, candida) can be injected intradermally, usually in the forearm. An area of induration appears after 48 hours if the reaction is positive. The ability of the patient to become sensitized to a new substance can also be tested, utilizing a compound to which the patient has had no previous exposure, like dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). In vitro techniques rely on stimulating the proliferation of T cells in culture with specific mitogens (concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin) or antigens.
How are leukocytes evaluated?
Leukocytes can be evaluated through several techniques of varying complexity and sophistication. Both quantitative and qualitative properties can be assessed in the laboratory. The simplest test is the WBC count and differential.
What is a white blood cell differential?
A white blood cell differential is a medical laboratory test that provides information about the types and amounts of white blood cells in a person's blood. The test, which is usually ordered as part of a complete blood count (CBC), measures the amounts of the five normal white blood cell types – neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, ...
When did the white blood cell differential become common practice?
By the early years of the 20th century , the white blood cell differential had become a common practice in the United States, but difficulties in interpreting the results cast doubt on the test's utility.
How to do a blood smear?
A blood smear is prepared by placing a drop of blood on a microscope slide and using a second slide held at an angle to spread the blood and pull it across the slide, forming a "feathered edge" consisting of a single layer of cells at the end of the smear. This may be done by hand or using an automated slide maker coupled to a hematology analyzer. The slide is treated with a Romanowsky stain, commonly Wright's stain or Wright-Giemsa, and examined under the microscope. The smear is examined in a systematic pattern, scanning from side to side within the feathered edge and counting cells consecutively. The differential is typically performed at 400x or 500x magnification, but 1000x magnification may be used if abnormal cells are present. Cells are identified based on their morphologic features, such as the size and structure of their nucleus and the colour and texture of their cytoplasm. This allows abnormal cell types and changes in cellular appearance to be identified. In most cases, the microscopist counts 100 white blood cells, but 200 may be counted for better representation if the white blood cell count is high. The manual differential count produces percentages of each cell type, which can be multiplied by the total white blood cell count from the analyzer to derive the absolute values.
How are white blood cells counted?
White blood cell differentials may be performed by an automated analyzer – a machine designed to run laboratory tests – or manually, by examining blood smears under a microscope. The test was performed manually until white blood cell differential analyzers were introduced in the 1970s, making the automated differential possible. In the automated differential, a blood sample is loaded onto an analyzer, which samples a small volume of blood and measures various properties of white blood cells to produce a differential count. The manual differential, in which white blood cells are counted on a stained microscope slide, is now performed to investigate abnormal results from the automated differential, or upon request by the healthcare provider. The manual differential can identify cell types that are not counted by automated methods and detect clinically significant changes in the appearance of white blood cells.
How is blood smear analysis done?
A small volume of blood (as low as 150 microliters) is aspirated into the analyzer, where reagents are applied to lyse red blood cells and preserve white blood cells . The sample is diluted and passed into a flow cell, which uses hydrodynamic focusing to isolate single cells for accurate analysis of their properties. Various cellular parameters, such as size, complexity and staining reactions, are measured and analyzed to identify cell populations. Basophils are often quantified using a reagent that lyses the cytoplasm of other white blood cells but leaves basophils intact. Samples that have abnormal results or are suspected to contain abnormal cells are flagged by the analyzer for manual blood smear review.
What type of cells are not normally found in the blood?
Additionally, cell types which do not normally occur in the blood, such as blast cells, can be identified by the manual differential. These cell types may be found in blood disorders and other pathological states. The manual differential can also identify changes in the appearance of white blood cells, such as reactive lymphocytes, ...
What are the different types of white blood cells?
Five types of white blood cells are normally found in blood: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Marked shifts in the proportions of these cell types, as measured by the automated or manual differential, can indicate various health conditions. Additionally, cell types which do not normally occur in the blood, ...
What is it?
A white blood cell differential counts the different types of white blood cells in a blood sample. There are five major kinds of white blood cells. The numbers of each type of white blood cell give important information about your immune system.
Why is this test done?
The test helps to measure how the body is responding to different types of infections. It can also help measure certain allergic reactions. It can sometimes be helpful in finding the stage of leukemia or how the body is responding to chemotherapy.
How do you prepare for the test?
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
How is the test done?
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
Where can you learn more?
Enter T637 in the search box to learn more about "White Blood Cell Differential: About This Test".
What is a WBC?
WBC is: a medical term for “white blood cells”, white cells also called “Leucocytes”. Leucocytes is a general medical term for many blood cells that differ in their morphology and specific function, however all WBCs are made for body defense against microbes. Automatic analyzers in most laboratories around the world can count ...
What does WBC mean at birth?
What does Normal WBC count mean? Normal WBC count at birth is the highest count during the human life, this is due to activity of bone marrow at birth and to immunize the neonate upon birth, see normal CBC value in newborn, normal count range of white blood cells continue to be low as we go in the age until puberty, ...
Which molecules promote chemotaxis in neutrophils to infection or inflammation sites?
C5a, IL-8, LTB4 are some molecules that promote chemotaxis in neutrophils to infection or inflammation sites
What happens to platelets after endothelial damage?
Endothelial damage leads to platelet aggregation via other platelets and fibrinogen
What are the cells in the blood?
Cells of the blood include the erythrocytes, which are the red blood cells (RBC); the leukocytes, which are the WBC; and the thrombocytes, also known as platelets.
What is the normal RBC count?
Increases may be found when one moves to a higher altitude or after prolonged physical exercise, and can also reflect the body’s attempt to compensate for hypoxia. Normal levels in men and women are 4.6 million-5.9 million and 4.1 million-5.4 million, respectively.
What is CBC test?
The CBC tests for the amount of RBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Usually, platelets will also be checked with the CBC.
What does a high reticulocyte count mean?
Reticulocyte:These are the new cells released by the bone marrow. The reticulocyte count is therefore used to assess bone marrow function and can indicate the rate and production of RBCs. Normal to slightly elevated reticulocyte counts may occur with anemia demonstrating an underproduction of red cells (such as with iron or folate deficiencies), depending on the staging of the disease. Elevated levels may indicate blood loss or hemolysis. Normal levels are 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent.
What is the hematocrit test?
Hematocrit:The test for hematocrit measures the volume of cells as a percentage of the total volume of cells and plasma in whole blood. This percentage is usually three times greater than the hemoglobin. After hemorrhage or excessive intravenous fluid infusion, the hematocrit will be low. If the patient is dehydrated, the hematocrit will be increased. Normal levels in men and women are 42 percent-52 percent and 37 percent-47 percent respectively.
How to calculate MCV?
MCV:This measures the average size of the RBC and can be calculated by dividing hematocrit X10 by RBC count. Normal values are 80-100 fL.
How long do RBCs live?
Mature RBCs have a lifespan of about 120 days. In hemolytic anemia, the cell life span may be shorter. It is important to know this for patients desiring autologous transfusion (receiving one’s own blood), as red cell survival may be an issue. A hemolytic anemia patient should seek further medical advice before making an autologous donation.
Why do we do differential WBC count?
Because the total WBC count does not differen- tiate WBCs as to cell lines, a differential WBC count (“diff”)is performed to provide informa- tion regarding the frequency distribution of WBCs and to identify increases or decreases when they occur in one or more of the cell lines. A morphologic study of the various blood cells (i.e., WBC, RBC, & platelets) is made during the differentiation process to detect and identify atypical and/or abnormal cells.
Why is it important to study the morphology of white blood cells?
A study of white blood cell morphology and distribution of blood cells is an essential part of the clinical description of practically every disease. A normal number and distribution of cells in the blood are so important as physiologic constants that some authorities say the absence of disease cannot be determined until this information is available.
What are the parts of CBC?
click here to continue This is the second module of a 4-part study exercise regarding the CBC. The 4 parts are entitled: CBC – Part 1 The hemogram CBC –Part 2 WBC differential & blood morphology CBC – Part 3 RBC morphology & platelet estimate CBC –Part 4 Post-test The review of hematopoiesis and blood cell morphology (i.e., Hematology Atlas located on the LSUHSC server) is recommended as a prerequisite for the CBC exercise.
What is abnormal WBC?
An abnormal number and/or distribution of leuko- cytes (WBC) may be seen in disease. Immature WBC and/or WBC with abnormal alterations may also be seen. The immature and abnormal cells are distinguishable from normal cells by their morphologic characteristics. Recognition and identification of these abnormal- ities play a major role in the diagnosis and treat- ment of true blood diseases and numerous other pathologic processes.
What is the most valuable procedure used in examination of the blood?
Evaluation of the distribution and morphology of white blood cells is one of the most valuable procedures used in examination of the blood. The information obtained may furnish the diagnosis, serve as a guide to therapy and as an indicator of harmful effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Overview
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are responsible for protecting your body from infection. As part of your immune system, white blood cells circulate in your blood and respond to injury or illness.
Function
White blood cells protect your body against infection. As your white blood cells travel through your bloodstream and tissues, they locate the site of an infection and act as an army general to notify other white blood cells of their location to help defend your body from an attack of an unknown organism.
Anatomy
Your white blood cells are in your bloodstream and travel through blood vessel walls and tissues to locate the site of an infection.
Conditions and Disorders
If you have a low white blood cell count, you are likely to get infections ( leukopenia ). If your white blood cell count is too high ( leukocytosis ), you may have an infection or an underlying medical condition like leukemia, lymphoma or an immune disorder.
Overview
History
Before automated cell counters were introduced, cell counts were performed manually; white and red blood cells, and platelets were counted using microscopes. The first person to publish microscopic observations of blood cells was Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, who reported on the appearance of red cells in a 1674 letter to the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London; Jan Swammerdam had described red blood cells some years earlier, but had not published his findin…
Medical uses
The white blood cell differential is a common blood test that is often ordered alongside a complete blood count. The test may be performed as part of a routine medical examination; to investigate certain symptoms, particularly those suggestive of infection or hematological disorders; or to monitor existing conditions, such as blood disorders and inflammatory diseases.
Five types of white blood cells are normally found in blood: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes,
Types
In a manual differential, a stained blood smear is examined under a microscope and white blood cells are counted and classified based on their appearance. A manual differential is usually performed when the automated differential is flagged for review or when the healthcare provider requests it. If the manual differential shows findings suggestive of certain serious conditions, such as le…
Cell types and result interpretation
Neutrophil Neutrophils are the most common white blood cells in normal adult blood. When stained with a Romanowsky stain, they exhibit a multi-lobed nucleus and pink cytoplasm that contains small purple granules.
The neutrophil count is normally higher in newborns and pregnant women than in other groups. Outside of these conditions, increased neutrophil counts (neutrophilia) are associated with bacte…
See also
• Flow cytometry
• Cell counting
Bibliography
• Bain, Barbara; Bates, Imelda; Laffan, Mike (2012). Dacie and Lewis practical haematology. Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0-7020-3407-7. OCLC 780445109.
• Betty Ciesla (27 November 2018). Hematology in Practice. F.A. Davis. ISBN 978-0-8036-6825-6.
• Gibbs, Bernhard (2014). "The absolute basophil count". Basophils and mast cells : methods and protocols. New York, NY: Humana Press. ISBN 978-1-4939-1172-1. OCLC 889943963.