What can lead to inaccurate white blood cell counts?

Inaccurate white blood cell (WBC) counts can result from several factors, primarily related to laboratory techniques and methods. When considering this question, both the second and third choices highlight critical aspects that can directly impact the accuracy of WBC counts.

Using inaccurate dilution ratios can significantly affect the concentration of cells in a sample. If the dilution is too concentrated or too diluted, it could lead to miscounting. For example, if the sample is diluted too much, the total number of cells counted may be lower than the actual number, leading to an underestimation of the WBC count. Conversely, if the sample is not diluted enough, there may be clumping of cells or an inability to accurately distinguish individual cells, which can lead to overestimating the count.

In addition, errors in the WBC differential method can also contribute to inaccurate results. The differential count involves classifying different types of leukocytes (such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, etc.), which requires correct identification and counting techniques. If there are errors in the differential counting process, whether due to poor slide quality, improper staining, or subjective interpretation by the technologist, the overall WBC count may be misrepresented. These discrepancies can alter the clinical interpretation of