Five types are known (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes), each of which with some specific functions and with a relatively stable percentage ratio from individual to individual.
Precisely quantifying the white blood cell subpopulation using the leukocyte formula helps doctors assess the patient's health status and make a diagnosis.
Also known as differential leukocyte count, the leukocyte formula is performed on a blood sample taken from the patient, who must be in baseline condition after fasting for approximately 10 hours. Physical stresses and important stresses before the exam can in fact alter the values.
The leukocyte formula is normally inserted into the blood count, a "standard" blood test that also includes the red blood cell and platelet count, as well as additional and important blood parameters.
The count can be carried out automatically by electronic counters, or by observing a drop of blood streaked on a slide under an optical microscope (see blood smear).
and chemicals, capable of irreversibly damaging the membranes of pathogenic microorganisms
LYMPHOCYTES
In reality, lymphocytes include several subtypes: the main ones are B, T and Natural Killer lymphocytes. These subpopulations have different functions: the B lymphocytes produce antibodies, molecules important in the defense of the organism from infections; the T lymphocytes do not produce antibodies but process other molecules important in the defense against infections, especially viral. They are also able to specifically recognize foreign cells and play an essential role in the defense of the organism from tumors and in the rejection of transplants. Natural Killer (NK) cells are similar to T lymphocytes.
MONOCYTES OR MACROPHAGES
They are important in defending the body from certain types of bacteria, such as the one that causes tuberculosis. They engulf and digest foreign elements and damaged cells.
EOSYOPHILES
Their main function is the defense of the organism from certain types of parasites. Eosinophils also increase in allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, etc.) and can be responsible for some symptoms characteristic of these diseases.
BASOPHILES
Their function is not very well known. They too increase in allergies: they contain histamine which, if released in excess in the blood and tissues, causes annoying symptoms (such as itching or the appearance of skin wheals), to combat which drugs called antihistamines are often used.
TOTAL NUMBER OF LEUCOCYTES
- in green the group of granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils)
PLEASE NOTE: between the two values (percentage and absolute) it is more important to consider the absolute one; in fact, evaluating the percentage value alone runs the risk of misinterpreting the outcome of the leukocyte count. For example, the latter could be excessive or too low even when it is absolutely normal in absolute terms; this can happen due to the simultaneous increase or reduction of another category of leukocytes, with a variation in the absolute number of white blood cells.
Acute infections (bacterial and fungal)
Acute stress
Eclampsia
Gout
Myeloid leukemias
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatic fever
Trauma
Tumors
Sterile inflammatory diseases / tissue necrosis (Burns, myocardial infarction)
Thyroiditis
Anxiety and severe physical activity
Collagen diseases
Acute renal failure
Ketoacidosis
Splenectomy
Congenital neutropenia
Lymphomas
Diseases of the bone marrow
Severe infections
Aplastic anemia
Flu or other viral infections
Anaphylactic shock
Taking certain medications (eg methotrexate) and chemotherapy
Radiation therapy or exposure to ionizing radiation
LYMPHOCYTES
Lymphatic leukemias
Chronic bacterial infections
Infectious mononucleosis and other viral diseases (mumps, measles, flu, chicken pox, herpes simplex, viral hepatitis)
Rheumatic diseases
Multiple myeloma
Drug addiction
Inflammation
AIDS (end-stage) and immune system diseases (lupus)
Severe renal failure with uremia
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy or exposure to ionizing radiation
Chronic diseases (sarcoidosis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Guillain Barré syndrome)
MONOCYTES OR MACROPHAGES
Leukemia
Myeloma
Infectious mononucleosis
Cirrhosis of the liver
Chronic inflammatory diseases
Tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis, listeriosis
Chronic infections
Bacterial endocarditis
Leukemia
Myeloma
Chemotherapy and immunosuppressive treatments
Aplastic anemia
EOSYOPHILES
Hypersensitivity to drugs
Autoimmune Diseases
Parasitic diseases
Scarlet fever
Hypoglycemia
Prolonged exposure to sunlight
Shock
Stress (including from trauma and surgery)
Chronic renal failure
Use of cortisone
Cushing's syndrome
BASOPHILES
Gangrene
Chronic infections
Allergic reactions to food (IgE mediated)
Parasitosis
Following radiotherapy
Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism
Acute stress and hypercortisolism
Often associated with eosinophilopenia
Some drugs can also alter the values of the leukocyte formula.
Prolonged use of steroids and long-term exposure to toxic elements (such as caustic soda or insecticides) may increase the risk of having an abnormal result in the differential white blood cell count.
Counting can be done automatically by electronic counters or by observation under an optical microscope (blood smear).
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