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Hematology: leucocyte (WBC)
Synonym(s): WBC
Overview
- Leucocytes protect the body against foreign substances, phagocytosis, antibody production and some antigen presentation and cell-mediated functions:
- Granulocytes (neutrophils Hematology: neutrophil, eosinophils Hematology: eosinophil, basophils Hematology: basophil) and monocytes Hematology: monocyte are all phagocytic cells.
- Lymphocytes Hematology: lymphocyte produce antibodies (B cells) or are concerned with cell-mediated immunity (T cells).
Uses
Alone
- To confirm a diagnosis, rule out differential diagnoses, aid therapy and provide a prognostic indicator.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
- Manual hemocytometer - accuracy +/- 20-25%.
- Electronic counting systems - accuracy +/- 3-5% (intralaboratory precision) or 10-15% (interlaboratory precision).
- QBC-V hematology system.
- Automated differentials provide useful information but are not an alternative to blood smear evaluation.
Availability
- All commercial laboratories and selected practices.
Validity
Sensitivity
- Sensitive.
Specificity
- Non-specific.
Predictive value
- Useful if used in conjunction with differential white blood cell counts.
Technique intrinsic limitations
- Leucocyte counts cannot provide a specific diagnosis in isolation.
Technician extrinsic limitations
- Repeatability.
- Level of skill.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from VetMedResource and PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Cowell R L, Tyler R D & Meinkoth J H (1999) Diagnostic Cytology and Hematology of the Dog and Cat. 2nd edn. Mosby, USA.
- Duncan J R, Prasse K W & Mahaffy E A (1994) Veterinary Laboratory Medicine Clinical Pathology.3rd edn. Iowa University Press, USA.
- Jain N C (1993) Essentials of Veterinary Hematology. Lea & Febiger, USA.