title: [Leukopenia/neutropenia].
abstract: The first step in evaluating leukopenia is the analysis of the different leukocyte subpopulations. The automated total blood cell count gives a first impression of the decreased leukocyte subtype and if erythrocytes and/or platelets are involved. Microscopic interpretation of the blood smear verifies the automated differential and allows a statement on the morphology of the individual cells. Differential diagnosis of the decreased leukocyte subpopulation is vast and in many cases leukopenia is only an epiphenomenona of a systemic disease. Therefore therapy is always directed towards the underlying disorder.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum für Onkologie/Hamatologie und Transfusionsmedizin, Kantonsspital Aarau. mario.bargetzi@ksa.ch
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bargetzi
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'