Lymphocytes and Plasma Cells in Body Fluids

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Body Fluid Differential Tutorial. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Lymphocytes and Plasma Cells in Body Fluids

Variable numbers of lymphocytes can be seen in both serous and synovial fluids and may exhibit a reactive morphology depending on the cause of the effusion. Plasma cells may also be seen but are not a frequent finding.
Plasma cells are indicated by the arrows. They contain large amounts of basophilic cytoplasm and there is a noticeable clearing adjacent to the nucleus. Notice the dense and clumped chromatin pattern. Some of these cells have a hint of cytoplasmic vacuolation that can be prominent storage vacuoles.