What is a differential blood test?
A blood differential test measures the amount of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your body. White blood cells (leukocytes) are part of your immune system, a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect you from infection.
How is a differential blood count performed?
A laboratory specialist puts a drop of blood from your sample on a clear glass slide and smears it to spread the blood around. Then, they stain the blood smear with a dye that helps to differentiate the types of white blood cells in the sample. The lab specialist then counts the number of each white blood cell type.
Why would a peripheral differential blood smear be performed?
A blood smear, also referred to as a peripheral smear for morphology, is an important test for evaluating blood-related problems, such as those in red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
What are the first signs and symptoms of leukemia?
Common leukemia signs and symptoms include:
- Fever or chills.
- Persistent fatigue, weakness.
- Frequent or severe infections.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen.
- Easy bleeding or bruising.
- Recurrent nosebleeds.
- Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
What does an abnormal blood smear indicate?
A blood smear is considered normal when your blood contains a sufficient number of cells and the cells have a normal appearance. A blood smear is considered abnormal when there’s an abnormality in the size, shape, color, or number of cells in your blood.
How can I raise my neutrophil count?
Eating foods rich in B-12 may help improve low neutrophil blood levels. Examples of foods rich in vitamin B-12 include: eggs. milk and other dairy products….How to raise and lower levels
- colony-stimulating factors.
- corticosteroids.
- anti-thymocyte globulin.
- bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.