CBC Interpretation
 
Introduction

WBCs

RBCs Platelets

Sources of Error

Thanks to...

Quiz Please

An instrument, a bit like a flow cytometer, counts and categorizes the cells on the basis of size, complexity and "lobularity."
  • First, the RBCs are lysed, leaving only the WBCs.
  • The WBCs are diluted with a buffer so they can be shot,  single-file, through a flow cell. 
  • The white blood cells are sized as they pass through a tiny window in the flow cell. 
    • The machine registers an impedance change across the flow cell window proportional to the size of each WBC.
  • The complexity of each WBC is assessed by laser light light absorbance and reflection.
    • Nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio.
    • Degree of granularity of the cyotplasm.
    • Absorbance characteristics of the granules.
  • Want see a movie of how it's done?

 

What do the areas of the scatter plot correspond to?       Back

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