Distinguish between these white blood cells and what do they mean clinically?
Answer
Giemsa Wright stain are typically done to help you identify each of the white blood cells (or leukocytes).
A. Neutrophil
- Characteristically 6 multi-lobed (polymorphonuclear) nucleus
- Cytoplasm: pale pink or light blue
- Granules: very fine, numerous, and neutral-staining, giving the cytoplasm a diffuse pale pink to lavender appearance
- Functions: First arrival on the site of infection; phagocytosing bacteria and other small particles
B. Eosinophils
- Nucleus is typically bilobed and stains dark purple
- Cytoplasm: filled with large, prominent, bright red-orange granules
- Functions: allergic reactions or parasitic infections count may be elevated
C. Basophils
- Nucleus usually obscured by the dense granules; stains dark purple.
- Cytoplasm: large, coarse, dark purple-to-black granules
- Function: Allergic reactions, release histamine and heparin.
D. Monocytes
- Nucleus large spherical with a thin rim of pale blue cytoplasm
- Agranular
- Function: Phagocytosis by differentiating into macrophages in tissues, antigen presentation, shows up by the end of an infection.
E. Lymphocytes
- Nucleus is large, round, or slightly indented, and fills most of the cell.
- Cytoplasm appear as a thin rim of sky-blue around the nucleus
- Agranular
- Function: Immune surveillance, specific immune responses; differentiates into T-cells, B-cells, and NK cells.