The white cell differential test measures the relative percentage of different types of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood. While an abnormal increase or decrease in certain white blood cells can suggest the presence of an infection, stress, inflammation, or other conditions, it cannot solely determine the exact type of infection, such as bacterial or viral. To identify the exact type of infection, other diagnostic tests such as cultures or molecular tests are needed.
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What are white blood cells and what role do they play in the immune system?
What additional diagnostic tests can help determine if an infection is bacterial or viral?
Why might a white blood cell differential test show abnormal results outside of infection?
This question's topic:
AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) /
Clinical Competency
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