WBC and RBC Count - Practical Guide
1. Differential WBC Count
Principle of Differential WBC Count:
- The differential WBC count measures the percentage of different types of white blood cells in a
blood sample.
Observations for Differential WBC Count:
- The test involves counting and classifying the various types of white blood cells under a
microscope.
Observation Table for Differential WBC Count:
| WBC Type | Normal Range (%) |
|-------------|------------------|
| Neutrophils | 40-70% |
| Lymphocytes | 20-40% |
| Monocytes | 2-8% |
| Eosinophils | 1-4% |
| Basophils | 0.5-1% |
Formula for Differential WBC Count:
- No specific formula; it involves direct microscopic counting.
Solved Example for Differential WBC Count:
- If in a sample, Neutrophils = 60%, Lymphocytes = 30%, Monocytes = 5%, Eosinophils = 3%, and
Basophils = 2%, then the total will sum up to 100%.
Variation and Effects of Differential WBC Count:
- High Neutrophils: Can indicate bacterial infection.
- High Lymphocytes: Can indicate viral infection.
- High Monocytes: Can suggest chronic inflammation or infection.
2. Total WBC Count
Principle of Total WBC Count:
- The total WBC count measures the total number of white blood cells in a given volume of blood.
Observations for Total WBC Count:
- The WBC count is measured using automated counting methods or by manual methods using a
hemocytometer.
Observation Table for Total WBC Count:
| Sample ID | WBC Count (cells/microliter) |
|-----------|-----------------------------|
| Sample 1 | 7,000 |
| Sample 2 | 5,500 |
| Sample 3 | 10,000 |
Formula for Total WBC Count:
- WBC Count = (Number of Cells in Chamber) * (Dilution Factor) * (Volume Factor)
Solved Example for Total WBC Count:
- If 100 cells were counted in a chamber with a dilution factor of 1:20 and volume factor of 0.1, the
total WBC count would be:
WBC Count = 100 * 20 * 0.1 = 2,000 cells/microliter.
Variation and Effects of Total WBC Count:
- High WBC count: Can indicate infection or inflammation.
- Low WBC count: Can indicate bone marrow issues or immune system problems.
3. Total RBC Count
Principle of Total RBC Count:
- The total RBC count measures the total number of red blood cells in a given volume of blood.
Observations for Total RBC Count:
- RBC count can be measured using automated methods or by manual methods, usually using a
hemocytometer or an automated analyzer.
Observation Table for Total RBC Count:
| Sample ID | RBC Count (millions/microliter) |
|-----------|--------------------------------|
| Sample 1 | 5.0 |
| Sample 2 | 4.2 |
| Sample 3 | 6.1 |
Formula for Total RBC Count:
- RBC Count = (Number of Cells in Chamber) * (Dilution Factor) * (Volume Factor)
Solved Example for Total RBC Count:
- If 200 cells are counted with a dilution factor of 1:100 and a volume factor of 0.1, the total RBC
count would be:
RBC Count = 200 * 100 * 0.1 = 2,000,000 cells/microliter.
Variation and Effects of Total RBC Count:
- High RBC count: Can indicate dehydration or polycythemia.
- Low RBC count: Can indicate anemia or blood loss.
Mnemonics
Mnemonics to Learn WBC and RBC Counts:
1. **Neutrophils' Action - 'Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas'**
- Neutrophils = 60%
- Lymphocytes = 30%
- Monocytes = 6%
- Eosinophils = 3%
- Basophils = 1%
2. **To remember RBC formula:**
- RBC Count = (Cells) * (Dilution Factor) * (Volume Factor)
