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Related Experiment Videos

Leukocyte differentials. Are they worth the effort?

T F Dutcher

    Clinics in Laboratory Medicine
    |March 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary

    Routine leukocyte differential counts are often inaccurate due to biologic variability. The traditional manual cell count offers little clinical value for most patients, suggesting a shift towards automated methods.

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    Area of Science:

    • Hematology
    • Clinical Pathology
    • Laboratory Medicine

    Background:

    • Routine leukocyte differential counts are a common laboratory test.
    • Significant biologic and physiological variability exists in leukocyte counts.
    • The clinical utility of traditional manual differentials is questioned.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore analytical inaccuracies in routine leukocyte differentials.
    • To assess the clinical value of leukocyte differentials in non-hematologic conditions.
    • To evaluate the potential replacement of manual differentials by automated methods.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of existing medical reports.
    • Analysis of biologic and physiological variability in leukocyte counts.
    • Assessment of the clinical value of 100- or 200-cell differentials.

    Main Results:

    • Traditional manual leukocyte differentials (100- or 200-cell counts) show little value for most patients.
    • Biologic and personal physiologic variability impacts leukocyte counts and differentials.
    • Automated 10,000-cell differentials and initial cell scans show promise.

    Conclusions:

    • The traditional manual leukocyte differential is of limited value in the majority of requested cases.
    • Automated differential counts and advanced cell scanning techniques are poised to supersede manual methods.
    • Future laboratory practice will likely rely on high-volume automated cell analysis for leukocyte differentials.

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