What is the difference between a total WBC count and a differential WBC count?

What is the difference between a total WBC count and a differential WBC count?

A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the number of white blood cells in your blood, and a WBC differential determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell present in your blood. A differential can also detect immature white blood cells and abnormalities, both of which are signs of potential issues.

What is included in WBC differential?

WBC differential results indicate the number and/or the percentage of each type of white blood cell that is present in your sample of blood at the time of the test. In adults, neutrophils typically make up the highest number of WBCs, followed by lymphocytes, then monocytes, eosinophils and basophils.

Why do we perform manual WBC count?

The manual differential white blood cell count is performed to determine the relative number of each type of white blood cell present in the blood. A study of red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet morphology is also performed.

What is the purpose of a differential WBC count?

A WBC differential may be used to help diagnose the cause of a high or low white blood cell (WBC) count results seen on a CBC. It may also be used to help diagnose and/or monitor other diseases and conditions that affect one or more different types of WBCs.

How do you calculate WBC count?

Count the total number of WBCs in your blood sample. This number is called the uncorrected WBC count. You can manually count the WBCs by diluting the blood in a diluting chamber, and then analyzing the smear in a hemocytometer.

What is the most common WBC in a differential?

Reference ranges for the white blood cell differential are defined by individual laboratories and may vary due to different patient populations and testing methods. The ranges presented here are for example purposes only. Neutrophils are the most common white blood cells in normal adult blood.

What is the normal rate Count of WBC?

A normal WBC count is approximately 4,500 to 10,000 WBCs per microliter of blood. A low WBC count is generally below 3,500 WBCs per microliter of blood, but this number varies depending on the medical laboratory, the particular test used, and the individual medical practice.

What number would be considered low for WBC?

In general, for adults a count lower than 4,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood is considered a low white blood cell count. For children, that threshold varies with age. Some people who are otherwise healthy have white cell counts that are lower than what’s usually considered normal, but which are normal for them.