Differential White Blood Cell (Leukocyte) Count

Definition

A Differential White Blood Cell (Leukocyte) Count measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell in your blood. It helps diagnose infections, inflammation, immune system disorders, and certain types of leukemia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Differential WBC count can indicate infection by showing elevated levels of specific white blood cells such as neutrophils or lymphocytes.
2. In pulmonary wellness, an elevated eosinophil count can suggest allergic reactions or asthma exacerbations.
3. Malnutrition can affect the immune response, altering WBC counts and making accurate interpretation crucial for patient care.
4. Chronic lung diseases like COPD may show increased neutrophil counts due to ongoing inflammation.
5. Assessing differential WBC counts helps nurses tailor nutritional interventions to support immune function and overall pulmonary health.

Review Questions

• How does malnutrition impact the Differential White Blood Cell (Leukocyte) Count?
• Which type of white blood cell is commonly elevated in allergic reactions or asthma?
• Why is assessing Differential WBC count important in managing chronic lung diseases?

Related terms

Neutrophils: A type of white blood cell that helps fight bacterial infections.

Eosinophils:

White blood cells involved in combating parasitic infections and involved in allergic responses.

Lymphocytes:

White blood cells that are part of the body's adaptive immune system, including B cells and T cells.