Interpreting absolute WBC counts.

The absolute count for a particular type of blood cell is the total white blood cell count multiplied by the differential percentage for that cell type. Neutrophilia is caused by increased marrow proliferation, redistribution among body neutrophil pools, stress and corticosteroids. Neutropenia is caused by decreased marrow proliferation, ineffective marrow production, reduced neutrophil survival and redistribution of neutrophils. Lymphocytosis is caused by chronic infections and allergic reactions, while lymphopenia is caused by increased lymphocyte destruction, neoplasia and lymphocyte loss. Monocytosis is associated with stress, infections, hematologic disorders, GI disease, necrosis and hemolysis. Eosinophilia is caused by allergic reactions, parasitism, skin diseases, neoplasia and adrenocortical insufficiency.