Total WBC Count Calculator

WBC Count Formula:

\[ \text{Total WBC} = \frac{\text{Cells Counted} \times \text{Dilution Factor} \times 10^4}{\text{Number of Squares}} \]

Total WBC Count:

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1. What is Total WBC Count?

Total WBC (White Blood Cell) count is a measurement of the concentration of white blood cells in the blood. It's an important diagnostic test that helps evaluate the body's immune system and detect infections, inflammation, or blood disorders.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hemocytometer formula:

\[ \text{Total WBC} = \frac{\text{Cells Counted} \times \text{Dilution Factor} \times 10^4}{\text{Number of Squares}} \]

Where:

\( \text{Cells Counted} \) — Total number of WBCs counted in the hemocytometer squares
\( \text{Dilution Factor} \) — Typically 20 (1:20 dilution with Turk's solution)
\( \text{Number of Squares} \) — Usually 4 (the four corner squares of the hemocytometer)
\( 10^4 \) — Conversion factor to get cells per μL (microliter)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the dilution of blood sample and the volume of the counting chamber to calculate the actual WBC concentration in the blood.

3. Importance of WBC Count

Details: WBC count helps diagnose conditions like infections, leukemia, immune disorders, and monitor response to treatment. Normal range is typically 4,000-11,000 cells/μL in adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

Enter the total number of WBCs counted in all squares
Use 20 for standard 1:20 dilution (unless you used a different dilution)
Typically count 4 squares (the four corner squares)
All values must be positive numbers

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard dilution factor for WBC count?
A: The standard dilution is 1:20 using Turk's solution (20 parts diluent to 1 part blood).

Q2: Which squares are counted in a hemocytometer?
A: Typically the four large corner squares (each 1mm²) of the Neubauer chamber are counted for WBCs.

Q3: What is the purpose of the dilution?
A: Dilution makes counting easier by reducing cell density and also helps lyse red blood cells to make WBCs more visible.

Q4: When would results be inaccurate?
A: If the sample is clotted, improperly mixed, or if there are too few or too many cells to count accurately.

Q5: What's the difference between manual and automated counts?
A: Automated counters are faster and more precise, but manual counts are still used when automated counts are unreliable (e.g., abnormal cells).