Definition

1. Noun:
   • A laboratory test that counts and classifies the different types of white blood cells (leukocytes) present in a blood sample, typically expressed as a percentage or absolute number per unit volume. It is a component of a complete blood count (CBC) used to assess immune system function and diagnose various conditions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor ordered a differential blood count to investigate the cause of the persistent fever.
  • An abnormal differential blood count can indicate an infection, inflammation, or a blood disorder.
  • The results of the differential blood count showed a high percentage of neutrophils, suggesting a bacterial infection.

Advanced Usage

• "Manual differential count": A count performed by a laboratory technologist who examines a stained blood smear under a microscope to visually identify and count white blood cells.

  • For certain complex cases, a manual differential count is more accurate than an automated one.

• "Automated differential count": A count performed by a specialized hematology analyzer machine.

  • Most routine blood tests now use an automated differential count for speed and consistency.

Variants and Related Words

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) (n): A common blood test that includes the differential blood count along with measurements of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.

  • The CBC, which includes a differential blood count, is a fundamental diagnostic tool.

• Leukocyte differential (n): Another term for a differential blood count, emphasizing the classification of white blood cells.

  • The leukocyte differential is crucial for monitoring patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Synonyms

• Leukocyte differential count
• White blood cell differential
• Diff (informal medical shorthand)

Related Phrases

• To run a differential: A common phrase in medical settings meaning to perform a differential blood count.
  • We need to run a differential on this sample to rule out leukemia.

Related Idioms

(This term is a specific medical procedure; common idioms are not typically associated with it.)

Noun

1. counting the number of specific types of white blood cells found in 1 cubic millimeter of blood; may be included as part of a complete blood count