Cell Count & Differential Count Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary cell count routinely performed on CSF specimens?

A
  • LEUKOCYTE/WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT.
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2
Q

When are RBC counts typically determined in CSF specimens?

A
  • Usually determined only when a TRAUMATIC TAP
  • Has occurred and a correction for leukocytes or protein is desired.
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3
Q

Why is it important to perform cell counts on CSF specimens ASAP (as soon as possible)?

A
  • RBCs disintegrate within 1 hour
  • WBCs decrease by 40% after 2 hours, which can affect the accuracy of the results.
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4
Q

What is the significance of RBC disintegration within 1 hour in CSF specimens?

A
  • This fact is significant because it emphasizes the need for timely analysis to obtain accurate cell count results.
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5
Q

After how long does the WBC count decrease by 40% in CSF specimens?

A
  • After 2 hours
  • Highlighting the importance of prompt analysis to maintain the reliability of the results.
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6
Q

What is pleocytosis in the context of cell count?

A
  • Pleocytosis refers to an increase in the number of cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
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7
Q

What are the normal cell count values for adults, and which type of cells are predominant in adults?

A
  • The normal cell count values for adults are 0-5 cells/uL
  • And the predominant cells in adults are lymphocytes.
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8
Q

What are the normal cell count values for neonates, and which type of cells are predominant in neonates?

A
  • 0-30 cells/uL
  • The predominant cells in neonates are monocytes, which are the largest white blood cells and precursor cells.
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9
Q

What are two methods commonly used for cell counting?

A
  • Manual counting using a Neubauer Counting Chamber
  • And automated counting using Automated Cell Counters.
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10
Q

What is the quality control requirement for cell counting?

A
  • Should agree with automated cell counting results within a margin of ±25% as a quality control measure.
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11
Q

How can you ensure the accuracy of cell counting results?

A
  • It’s important to validate manual cell counts against automated counts
  • Ensure they fall within the specified ±25% range for quality control.
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12
Q

What does a significant RBC count in the Total Cell Count indicate?

A
  • Suggests that a traumatic tap has occurred
  • And is needed for the correction of WBC Count & CSF Protein Results.
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13
Q

Why is the RBC count important in this context?

A
  • It helps distinguish between a traumatic tap and other conditions
  • And allows for accurate adjustments to WBC Count and CSF Protein Results.
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14
Q

When can clear specimens be counted undiluted for Total Cell Count?

A
  • Clear specimens may be counted undiluted for Total Cell Count.
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15
Q

What is used as a diluent for Total Cell Count when needed, and what should be used for milky appearances in CSF?

A
  • Normal Saline Solution (NSS) is used as a diluent, and it’s also used for milky appearances in CSF.
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16
Q

What type of pipettes should be used for Total Cell Count, and why?

A
  • Calibrated, automatic pipettes (MICROPIPETTE)
  • Should be used for Total Cell Count to ensure accuracy and precision.
17
Q

How should cells be counted when performing Total Cell Count?

A
  • Cells should be counted in the four corner squares and the center square of the specimen.
18
Q

Why is it necessary to lyse red blood cells (RBC) prior to counting white blood cells (WBC)?

A
  • Lysing RBCs is necessary to ensure accurate WBC counts by eliminating interference from red blood cells.
19
Q

What is the diluent used for lysing RBCs in total cell count?

A
  • A 3% glacial acetic acid solution is used as the diluent to lyse RBCs in total cell count.
20
Q

Is it possible to enhance the cell count process with Methylene Blue?

A
  • Yes, Methylene Blue can be added to the diluting fluid to enhance the cell count process.
21
Q

What should be done if dilution is not required for cell counting?

A
  • If dilution is not necessary
  • The pipette should be rinsed with the diluting fluid prior to aspiration to maintain accuracy in the cell count.
22
Q

What is the standard calculation formula used for CSF cell counts?

A
  • Used for CSF cell counts follows the same method as that used for blood cell counts.
23
Q

How many larger corner squares and larger center square are used for counting CSF cells?

A
  • Four larger corner squares and the larger center square are used for counting CSF cells.
24
Q

What are the dimensions of the counting area for CSF cells?

A
  • Has dimensions of 3mm length X 3mm width, divided into 9 large squares.
25
Q

How is the volume of CSF cells calculated?

A
  • By multiplying the area of 1 square (1mm²) by the depth (0.1mm)
  • Which is the distance between the coverslip and the counter chamber. This gives a volume of 0.1mm³.
26
Q

What is the formula for calculating the volume of CSF cells?

A
  • VOLUME = (Area in mm²) X (Depth in mm) = 0.1mm³.
27
Q

Why are calculations made to correct for WBCs in CSF due to a traumatic tap?

A
  • Calculations are made to account for WBCs introduced in CSF during a traumatic tap to obtain an accurate WBC count.
28
Q

How is the Correct WBC Count calculated?

A
  • Determined by subtracting the WBCs added during the traumatic tap from the actual WBC count in the cerebrospinal fluid.
29
Q

What does it indicate if peripheral WBC and RBC counts are normal?

A
  • If peripheral white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts are within the normal range
30
Q

How can you correct for contamination in a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample when white blood cells (WBC) have been added?

A
  • Use the formula: WBC added = WBC Blood x RBC CSF / RBC Blood.
31
Q

What is the shortcut method for calculating the white blood cell count (WBC) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) based on the number of red blood cells (RBCs)?

A
  • Subtract 1 WBC for every 700 RBCs present in the CSF
  • For example, if there are 1,400 RBCs/uL and 100 WBCs/uL, the calculated WBC count is 98 WBCs/uL.