LEUCOCYTOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A leucocytometer refers to a specialized instrument used in medical laboratories to count and analyze the number of white blood cells in a blood sample. White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, play a vital role in the immune system and act as a defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The count and identification of these cells are crucial in diagnosing various medical conditions and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.
A leucocytometer typically consists of a microscopic viewing chamber called a counting chamber or hemocytometer that has precise etched grids. The blood sample is diluted and then placed on the counting chamber, allowing the white blood cells to settle and distribute evenly across the grid lines. A skilled technician examines the sample under a microscope, observing and counting the cells present within the grid. This counting process is repeated multiple times to obtain accurate results. These results can provide valuable information such as the total number of white blood cells per microliter of blood, as well as the proportion of different types of leukocytes, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
Leucocytometers are utilized in various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories, to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, leukemia, and immune deficiencies. The precise and quantitative information obtained from a leucocytometer can significantly contribute to the understanding and management of a patient's health.
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A device for estimating the relative numbers of leucocytes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LEUCOCYTOMETER
- keucocytometer
- peucocytometer
- oeucocytometer
- lwucocytometer
- lsucocytometer
- lducocytometer
- lrucocytometer
- l4ucocytometer
- l3ucocytometer
- leycocytometer
- lehcocytometer
- lejcocytometer
- leicocytometer
- le8cocytometer
- le7cocytometer
- leuxocytometer
- leuvocytometer
- leufocytometer
- leudocytometer
- leucicytometer
Etymology of LEUCOCYTOMETER
The word "leucocytometer" is derived from two Greek roots: "leuko", meaning white, and "cyto", meaning cell. "Meter" is a suffix indicating a device used for measuring. Therefore, "leucocytometer" literally means a device for measuring white blood cells.
