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Subtopic 3 Activity

The level of difficulty for this activity would be considered moderate.  It is very helpful for the student to have prior knowledge of mammalian differential counts.

Instructions

Demonstrate your understanding of this lesson by classifying 100 white blood cells and counting their numbers on a cell counter, describing the red blood cell morphology and performing an estimated thrombocyte count.

Materials and Equipment

• Avian blood smear made in the previous section
• Microscope with 10X and 100X (oil immersion) objectives
• Laboratory cell counter
• Hematology worksheet (.doc or .pdf) to record results (located at the end of this activity)
• 22 x 50mm coverglass
• Sharps container
• Disinfectant to clean work surface
• Hand disinfectant

Procedure for identifying and counting cells

1. The blood film should be inspected under low-power magnification (10X) to note cell numbers and to scan for thrombocyte clumps.  Select an area where the cells are mono-layered and evenly spaced to use as your counting area.
2. Switch to the oil-immersion objective (100X) to complete the evaluation.
3. Scan the slide in order to establish cell identification before beginning your count.
4. Count and classify 100 white blood cells in the counting area, using a cell counter to keep a running tally of cell types. 
5. The quantities of all cell types are then expressed as percentages of the total 100 cell count.
6. Observe the red blood cell morphology, reporting any anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, or polychromatic or basophilic erythroblasts.
7. Print and record your results on the hematology worksheet.