What is a differential white blood cell count used to determine?

A differential white blood cell count is crucial for assessing the immune system's composition. By analyzing the proportion of various types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, healthcare professionals can gain insights into the body’s response to diseases, infections, allergies, and other medical conditions.

This analysis is particularly important because different types of white blood cells play distinct roles in the immune response. For instance, an increase in neutrophils may indicate a bacterial infection, while higher lymphocyte levels might suggest a viral infection or a chronic condition.

The total white blood cell count provides an overall number of white blood cells but does not differentiate between the various types. Assessing the presence of anemia relates to red blood cells and hemoglobin levels rather than white blood cells. The blood’s pH level is indicative of acid-base balance and not directly tied to white blood cell differentiation. Therefore, determining the proportion of different types of white blood cells in the blood is the primary purpose of a differential white blood cell count.