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Research Article| Volume 4, ISSUE 1, P71-87, March 1984

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Leukocyte Differentials: Are They Worth the Effort?

  • Thomas F. Butcher
    Correspondence
    Corresponding author: Department of Clinical Pathology, William Beaumont Hospital, 3601 West 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan 48072
    Affiliations
    Director, Clinical Pathology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan
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DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-2712(18)30943-0
Leukocyte Differentials: Are They Worth the Effort?
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      This article explores the analytical inaccuracies of routinely performed leukocyte differentials and cites the known biologic and personal physiologic variability in the total leukocyte counts and the leukocyte differential. The clinical value of leukocyte differentials in patients without hematologic disease is assessed on the basis of reports in the existing medical literature. It is concluded that the 100- or 200-cell differential is of no value in the majority of patients on whom the test is requested and that an initial scan of 300 or more cells in concert with the 10,000-cell differentials now available from instruments will soon replace the traditional “diff.”
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      Article info

      Identification

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-2712(18)30943-0

      Copyright

      © 1984 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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