title: The use of the white cell count and haemoglobin in combination as an effective screen to predict the normality of the full blood count.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The utility of the full blood count (FBC) is vast with each parameter serving as a tool to aid diagnosis and monitor disease progression. However, the effectiveness of the test is hampered because of increased workload and lack of interpretation. In the effort to redress this issue, the combined use of the white blood cell count (WBC) and haemoglobin in predicting the normality of the FBC is evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  FBC data were collated from 2191 patients and classified into two groups depending on whether the WBC and the haemoglobin were within the reference range. Blood films were examined on the abnormal FBC samples in each group and graded on morphology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The FBC was normal in 89.6% of cases in the presence of a normal WBC and haemoglobin with subtle abnormalities in the remainder; 1+ grading of abnormal morphology in 93%. However, when the WBC and/or haemoglobin was abnormal, the remaining FBC was significantly abnormal (P < 0.05) and the corresponding blood films were grossly abnormal; 2+/3+ grading in 96% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We concluded that in the presence of a normal WBC and haemoglobin, the FBC is normal in almost all cases and measuring these two parameters could be used as an effective screen to predict FBC normality.
authors: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Department of Haematology & WHO Collaboration Centre for Haematology Technology, London, UK. andrew.osei-bimpong@imperial.nhs.uk
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Osei-Bimpong
authors: R
authors: R
authors: McLean
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Bhonda
authors: S M
authors: SM
authors: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins