Criteria for evaluation of white blood cells and platelets from White Cell and Platelet Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions, presented by MediaLab

White Blood Cell Disorders and Platelets:: Peripheral Smear Review Introduction

Criteria for evaluation of white blood cells and platelets

In most clinical hematology laboratories, an initial blood count is performed by an electronic instrument.
Some of these instruments also produce a differential blood count, and a platelet count. Instruments that provide a 3-part differential indicate the percentage of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and a mixed field group that includes monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, immature and atypical cells.
Thus, the atypical cells shown in the photograph would be counted as mixed cells and a smear review would be needed to make an identification.
Instruments providing a 5-part differential count include monocytes and eosinophils.
In cases where the mixed cell count is high, or there are other indications that atypical cells may be present, a hematologist's review of the smear is indicated.

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