What is the number of differential white cells?
The number of differential white cells is a test that measures the percentage of each type of white blood cells in the body. It is often incorporated into a request for a blood test as a complete blood count (CBC). Various white blood cells (WBC) measured in reports on the number of differential white cells are neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes. Their total percentage is always 100%. It can also point out the presence of allergic reactions or parasitic contamination within the human body. Infections caused by a virus or bacteria can sometimes be obtained from an increase in value in one of these types of cells. Leukemia stage is also evaluated by differential number of white cells. Their values could be normal, decreased by the native, depending on the condition of the health of the person whose blood is examined. Blood is usually extracted in the laboratory by a phlebotomist. Once the blood is extracted, it is processed for the machine to be read or examined manually under a microscope by a qualified medical technologist.
neutrophils or segments are the highest percentage of WBC in the blood. Increasing the value of these cells generally indicates the presence of an acute bacterial infection or some inflammation ongoing inside the body. Other conditions that may show an increase in neutrophils are leukemia, DNA and rheumatic fever. A reduction may point to applastic anemia or may be caused by the body's reaction to treatment by various medicines.
Increasing the value of lymphocytes is usually observed in patients with chronic bacterial infections or viruses. This can also be seen in some patients with bone marrow and after exposure to radiation. Lymphocyte reduction is observed in patients with conditions such as lupus erythematosus, leukemia and AIDS.
eosinophils usually increase in the presence of parasites, allergies and skin infections. In some cases, leukemia, food allergies and radiation therapy include an increase in bassophiles. Monocyte levels withE also increases in most infections and inflammatory disorders, as well as certain malignancies such as leukemia. Reduction of monocytes sometimes indicates injury or cancer in the bone marrow.