An instrument printout reports a WBC count of 12 × 10⁹/L.The technologist reviews the peripheral blood smear and counts 45 nucleated RBCs.What is the best course of action regarding these findings?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of nucleated RBCs (nRBCs) is an abnormal finding and can interfere with the accuracy of the automated WBC count by some instruments. In order to correct for this, the WBC count should be adjusted by adding 1 to the final result for every nRBC counted per 100 white cells examined. In this case, 45 nRBCs were counted, which means that the WBC count should be adjusted by adding 0.45 to the reported result (12). Therefore, the corrected WBC count would be 12.45 × 10⁹/L. There is no need to repeat the instrument count, make a new smear with albumin, or warm the specimen in this situation.

An Instrument Printout Reports a WBC Count of 12 ×