WBC COUNT Flashcards
Improved Neubauer Counting Chamber features
Two identical sides, each counted, 3 mm by 3 mm, divided into 9 square millimeters
Purpose of the 4 corner (large) squares
Used for manual WBC count
Purpose of the middle (central) square
Used for manual RBC count
Coverglass for the counting chamber
Thick coverglass is used, not ordinary coverglasses, as they have uneven surfaces
Space between the coverglass and platform
0.1 mm thick, forming a space holding exactly 0.1 cu.mm
RBC Thoma pipet markings
0.5, 1, 101
Color of RBC Thoma pipet bead
Red
Volume of RBC Thoma pipet
100
WBC Thoma pipet markings
0.5, 1, 11
Color of WBC Thoma pipet bead
White, colorless
Volume bulb of WBC Thoma pipet
10
Purpose of diluting fluids
Disperse blood cells to facilitate counting
Diluting fluids for WBCs
1% ammonium oxalate, 3% acetic acid, 1% hydrochloric acid
Common dilution for WBCs
1:20 and 1:100
Objectives and area counted for WBCs (1:20 dilution)
4 mm², 10x
Objectives and area counted for WBCs (1:100 dilution)
9 mm², 10x
Effect of 1% hydrochloric acid on NRBCs
NRBCs are not lysed, so they may be counted with WBCs and cause falsely increased WBC count.
Platelet diluting fluid
1% ammonium oxalate
Platelet dilution
1:100
Objective for counting platelets
40x (phase)
Area counted for platelets
1 mm²
RBC diluting fluid
Isotonic saline
RBC dilution
1:100
Objective for counting RBCs
40x
Area counted for RBCs
0.2 mm² (5 small squares of central square)
Manual RBC count
Rarely performed due to technical/clerical error
Specimen used for WBC count
EDTA whole blood or blood from a skin puncture
Typical dilution for WBC count
0.05555555555555558
Function of diluting fluid in WBC count
Lyses non-nucleated RBCs to prevent interference
Larger area counting in WBC count
Performed when WBC count is below normal
How to ensure WBC count accuracy
Perform WBC estimate using Wright-stained PBS
Cleaning method for hemocytometer and coverslip
Clean with alcohol and dry with lint-free tissue
Timeframe for performing WBC count after dilution
Within 3 hours
Purpose of moist chamber in WBC count
Allows cells to settle for 10 minutes before counting