1. What is WBC Differential Count?

The WBC (White Blood Cell) differential count measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell in your blood. It helps identify infections, inflammation, allergies, and other conditions affecting the immune system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula to convert percentage to absolute count:

Where:

• Percentage — The percentage of specific WBC type (e.g., neutrophils, lymphocytes)
• Total WBC Count — The total white blood cell count in cells/μL

Explanation: The absolute count provides more clinically relevant information than percentages alone, as it accounts for variations in total WBC count.

3. Importance of Absolute Count

Details: Absolute counts are critical for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like infections (neutrophilia/neutropenia), viral infections (lymphocytosis), allergies (eosinophilia), and hematologic disorders.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the percentage of the specific WBC type (0-100%), the total WBC count in cells/μL, and select the cell type. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why calculate absolute count instead of using percentages?
A: Absolute counts provide more accurate clinical information as they account for variations in total WBC count that percentages alone might mask.

Q2: What are normal ranges for absolute counts?
A: Typical ranges (adults): Neutrophils 1.8-7.7, Lymphocytes 1.0-4.8, Monocytes 0.1-0.8, Eosinophils 0-0.5, Basophils 0-0.2 (all ×10³ cells/μL).

Q3: When is this calculation most useful?
A: Particularly important when total WBC count is abnormal (very high or very low) to determine which cell line is affected.

Q4: Can this be used for pediatric patients?
A: Yes, but normal ranges differ by age, especially for lymphocytes which are higher in young children.

Q5: What factors can affect WBC differential results?
A: Stress, exercise, medications, recent infections, and time of day can all influence results.