differential blood count

Học thuật
Thân thiện
differential blood count

A technician examines a differential blood count under a microscope.

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.)

differential blood count

A technician examines a differential blood count under a microscope.

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