I am Attuluri Vamsi Kumar, Academician in Medical Laboratory Sciences of highly successful job experience and a strong desire to improve OBE structured MLT education. I am constantly focusing on building an academic atmosphere that is set high standards with strong multi blended teaching pedagogy models. Contact me at 7416660584.

1. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com
Program Name: B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology
Notes of Haematology
Course Name: Haematology Course code: 22MLH-201
Date: 08-08-2023 Time: 10:20 AM to 11:10AM Course Type
Course Coordinator: Attuluri Vamsi Kumar – B.Sc. MLT, M.Sc. MLT, PhD (Perusing)
Designation: Assistant Professor
Department: Department of Medical Lab Technology (MLT)
Program Core
PRE-REQUISITE General Physiology - I Sem: 3 Lecture No: 4
Topics Discussed Properties of White blood cells
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NOTES L4
Properties of White Blood Cells (WBCs)
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, play a pivotal role in the immune system, helping the body
to fight off infections. They are larger than red blood cells and are made in the bone marrow.
1. Types of White Blood Cells:
There are five main types of WBCs, which can be grouped into granulocytes and agranulocytes based
on their cytoplasmic granule appearance under the microscope.
Granulocytes:
• Neutrophils: These are the most common WBCs and are the first to respond to an infection.
They target and kill bacteria and fungi.
• Eosinophils: They target and kill parasites and cancer cells, and help with allergic responses.
• Basophils: Least common WBCs. They release histamine and are involved in allergic
reactions.
Agranulocytes:
• Lymphocytes: These play a key role in the immune system. There are two main types:
• B cells: Produce antibodies.
• T cells: Attack viruses and tumors.
• Monocytes: These become macrophages in tissues and phagocytize pathogens and dead cells.

2. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com
2. Leukopoiesis:
Leukopoiesis is the process of WBC formation. Hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow
differentiate into either myeloid or lymphoid stem cells, which then differentiate into various types of
WBCs.
3. WBC Count:
A WBC count measures the number of white blood cells in the blood. The normal range varies but is
generally between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per microliter of blood.
4. Clinical Significance:
• Leukocytosis: Elevated WBC count, can be indicative of an infection, inflammation, leukemia,
or other conditions.
• Leukopenia: Reduced WBC count, can increase the risk of infections. It may be caused by
bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, or treatments like chemotherapy.
• Differential Count: Measures the proportion of each type of white blood cell in your blood,
providing additional information about possible illnesses.
5. Pathological Conditions:
• Leukemia: A group of cancers that affect white blood cells, causing them to multiply
uncontrollably.
• Neutropenia: A condition characterized by low levels of neutrophils, increasing the risk of
bacterial infections.
• Lymphoma: Cancer that originates from lymphocytes.

3. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com
• Mononucleosis: A viral infection causing an increase in monocytes.
6. Functions of WBCs:
• Phagocytosis: The process by which cells like neutrophils and macrophages ingest harmful
particles, including bacteria.
• Antibody Production: B cells produce antibodies that can latch onto pathogens and neutralize
or mark them for destruction.
• Cytotoxic Activity: Some T cells can kill virus-infected cells directly.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: In allergic reactions, eosinophils and basophils play a role by
releasing substances that mediate inflammation.
7. Lab Techniques Related to WBCs:
• WBC Count: Typically done using automated hematology analyzers.
• Blood Smears: Can be stained and examined under the microscope to evaluate WBC
morphology and to perform differential counts.
• Flow Cytometry: Can be used to identify and classify white blood cells based on their surface
markers.
Conclusion:
Understanding the intricacies of white blood cells is vital for medical lab technologists, as they often
encounter various conditions that affect these cells. Familiarity with their types, functions, and related
lab techniques will aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases.
Here's a table detailing the properties of various white blood cells:
White Blood
Cell Type
Percenta
ge of
Total
WBCs
Main Functions Appearance/Morphology Life Span Clinical
Significance
Neutrophils 50-70% - Phagocytize
bacteria and
fungi<br>- Quick
response to
infection
Multilobed nucleus (2-5
lobes); pale cytoplasm
with fine granules
Hours to few
days
Increased in
bacterial
infections,
burns
Lymphocytes 20-40% - B cells: Produce
antibodies<br>- T
cells: Attack
infected cells and
tumor cells
Large, round nucleus;
scant pale blue cytoplasm
Days to years
(varies
between B
and T cells)
Increased in
viral
infections,
lymphocytic
leukemias

4. B.Sc. MLT Haematology Quick Summary Notes
Attuluri Vamsi Kumar I Assistant professor I Dept of MLT I Ph No: 7416660584 I Website: mltmaster.com
Monocytes 2-8% - Become
macrophages in
tissues<br>-
Phagocytosis
Large, kidney-shaped
nucleus; blue-gray
cytoplasm
Days (as
monocytes),
months (as
macrophages)
Increased in
chronic
infections,
monocytic
leukemia
Eosinophils 1-4% - Combat
parasitic
infections<br>-
Modulate allergic
and asthmatic
responses
Bilobed nucleus; red-
orange granules in
cytoplasm
8-12 days Increased in
allergic
reactions,
parasitic
infections
Basophils 0.5-1% - Release
histamine<br>-
Involved in
allergic responses
Bilobed nucleus; large
blue-purple granules
Days to
weeks
Increased in
some types
of leukemia,
chronic
inflammation