Question

1. Differentiate the shift to the left and shift to the right in differential WBC counting.

2. What are the common causes of neutrophilia?

3. List the common disease/s associated with increased monocytes, lymphocytes and basophil.

Answer 1

The answer to the Q. 1

WBC (White blood cell) differential count is the number of the WBC types present in the blood. It can be stated as percentages or an around a number or absolute value of each type of white blood cells in the total WBC count.

Shift to the Left is the shifting in the white blood cells towards more immature cells with more bands and blasts. This process is seen in most bacterial infections and observed in some cancers.

Shift to the Right means that there has been a shift back of white blood cells to the normal ranges. It shows the absence of immature cells

There are five types of WBCs:

• Neutrophils: These WBC cells mainly helps to resist infections in the body. It responds against infection or serious injury by increasing its production.
• Eosinophils: These BC cells mainly creating allergic reactions against infections
• Basophils: These WBC cells helps to digest bacteria and foreign bodies which entered the body. In addition, it plays a role in allergic reactions.
• Lymphocytes: These WBC cells act sudden and delayed response against infection or inflammation.
• Monocytes These WBC cells respond against inflammation or infection and foreign bodies. It protects the body by eating and digesting foreign material and reduces infection.

Answer to the Q.2

Neutrophilia is a condition in which an increase in circulation of neutrophils type of WBC above the anticipated range in a healthy individual on the basis of his or her age, sex, race, and physiological status. This shows an increase in the count of neutrophils above the range of 7.5 x 109/l.

Causes of Neutrophilia

1. Infections like bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections may lead to neutrophilia

2. The redistribution of white blood cells causes neutrophilia

3. An increase in bone marrow output causes neutrophilia

4. Pregnancy increases the neutrophil count

5. Vigorous exercise will increase the neutrophil count double by altering the distribution of white blood cells.

The answer to the Q. 3

Common diseases associated with an increased number of monocytes, lymphocytes, and basophil are the following:

• Increased number of monocyte counts associated with parasitic infections, viral disease, collagen disease, and some cancers.
• Increased number of lymphocyte counts associated with bacterial infections, viral infections, Graves' disease, and some cancers.
• Increased number of basophil counts associated with some allergic reactions, some cancers, some infections and it also associated with radiation exposure