Practical Physiology: Manual WBC Count

To determine the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in a blood sample.

Dilution of blood specimen with diluting fluid (1% acetic acid) to 1:20 ratio before counting.

Specialized slide used to count cells, like WBCs, in a controlled area after dilution.

1% acetic acid solution used to separate and count WBCs while preserving them.

Improved Neubauer Counting chamber ; specialized slide used precisely count blood cells in laboratory settings.

Refer to tables for expected WBC count for adult males and females from lab manuals.

Calculate the number of WBCs per cubic millimeter (mm³) based on counting in counting chamber and dilution ratio.

Potential mistakes during sample preparation, counting (e.g., sample inconsistencies or improper dilution).

A laboratory test method used to determine the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in a blood sample.

A procedure used to lyse red blood cells in a blood sample, preparing a solution for counting white blood cells.

A specialized microscope slide with a precisely etched grid for counting blood cells under a microscope.

The process of collecting a blood sample, preparing it with acetic acid, and transferring it to a Neubauer chamber for counting leukocytes.

A precise method for counting white blood cells within designated squares of the hemocytometer, considering overlapping cells.

A specialized counting chamber for evaluating cell counts of blood samples.

The ratio of blood volume to acetic acid volume, vital for isolating and counting white blood cells accurately.

A variation of more than 10 percent in counted white blood cell count from the different squares of the counting chamber implies error and demands performing the test again.

A specialized microscope slide used to count cells, like white blood cells, in a precise volume of fluid.

A diagnostic measurement of the number of white blood cells in a blood sample.

The ratio of diluent to blood. Adjusting this factor changes the count calculation.

Specific squares on the hemocytometer grid used to count white blood cells.

Cells touching the upper and left edge are counted, but cells touching the lower and right edges are NOT.

Very high white blood cell count, often requiring a larger dilution for accurate counting.

Very low white blood cell count, requiring a smaller dilution to avoid undercounting.

Crucial for accurate white blood cell counts. The solution, hemocytometer and coverslip must be clean and dust-free.

Insufficient blood volume, poor mixing, incomplete chamber filling, delayed counting, uneven cell distribution, inaccurate pipettes, or flawed techniques/calculations can all result in a low white blood cell count.

Excessive blood volume, poor mixing, overfilling the counting chamber, uneven cell distribution, inclusion of contaminants (yeast, etc.), incorrect pipettes, or flawed counting/calculation can lead to a high white blood cell count.

A condition characterized by an elevated white blood cell count, usually associated with infections, stress, inflammation, or leukemia.

A condition characterized by a decreased white blood cell count, often occurring from treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, or long-term antibiotic use.

The normal white blood cell count range for adult males and females is typically 4-11 x 10^9/L.