1. What is WBC Count?

White blood cell (WBC) count is a measurement of the number of white blood cells in a specific volume of blood. It's an important diagnostic test used to detect infections, inflammation, allergies, and various blood disorders.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the WBC count formula:

Where:

• \( Cells\ Counted \) — Number of white blood cells counted in the sample
• \( Dilution \) — Dilution factor applied to the blood sample
• \( Volume \) — Volume of the counting chamber in mm³

Explanation: The formula calculates the concentration of white blood cells per cubic millimeter of blood by accounting for the dilution factor and the volume of the counting chamber.

3. Importance of WBC Count

Details: WBC count is crucial for diagnosing infections, monitoring immune system function, detecting leukemia and other blood disorders, and assessing response to treatments like chemotherapy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of cells counted, the dilution factor, and the volume of the counting chamber. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal WBC count range?
A: Normal WBC count ranges from 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter (μL) of blood for adults.

Q2: What does a high WBC count indicate?
A: High WBC count (leukocytosis) may indicate infection, inflammation, tissue damage, immune system disorders, or leukemia.

Q3: What does a low WBC count indicate?
A: Low WBC count (leukopenia) may indicate bone marrow problems, autoimmune disorders, severe infections, or certain medications.

Q4: How is the blood sample prepared for WBC counting?
A: Blood is typically diluted with a special solution that lyses red blood cells and preserves white blood cells for counting.

Q5: Are automated methods better than manual counting?
A: Automated hematology analyzers are faster and more precise, but manual counting is still used in certain situations and for verification.