The white count on an adult patient is 2.2 ´ 109/L. When the blood film is examined, the following results are obtained: 15% neutrophils and 75% lymphocytes. Reference ranges for these cells types, both relative and absolute, are as follows:
Rel % Abs # (´109/L)
Neutrophils 48-70 2.4-8.2
Lymphocytes 18-42 1.4-4.0
What conclusion can be made about the number of lymphocytes for this patient?
a. They are relatively increased but normal in absolute numbers.
b. They are both relatively and absolutely increased.
c. They are relatively decreased but absolutely increased.
d. They are both relatively and absolutely decreased.
ANS: A
The relative percent of lymphocytes is elevated at 75%. The absolute number of lymphocytes is 0.75 ´ 2.2 = 1.7 ´ 109/L, which is in the reference range for an adult. Thus the lymphocytes are relatively increased but normal in absolute number.
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