| blood cell count | A count of the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes per unit volume in a sample of venous blood. A complete blood count (cbc) also includes measurement of the haemoglobin, haematocrit, and erythrocyte indices. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| blood count | <haematology, investigation> The determination of the proper number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are present in the patients blood. Acronym: FBC (16 Dec 1997) |
| red blood cell count | A normal value is 4.6-6.2 million RBC's per cubic millimetre of blood. This number can increase in cases of dehydration (fluid loss) or severe lung disease. Interestingly, red blood cell counts are much higher in those who live at high altitude, because of the increased demand for oxygen carrying capacity. (27 Sep 1997) |
| viable cell count | Number of cells in a given area or volume that are thriving. (05 Mar 2000) |
| viable count | Measurement of the concentration of live cells in a microbial population. (09 Oct 1997) |
| CD4/CD8 count | The ratio of the number of helper-inducer T lymphocytes to cytotoxic-suppressor T lymphocytes, as measured by monoclonal antibodies to the CD4 surface antigen found on helper-inducer T-cells, and the CD8 surface antigen found on cytotoxic-suppressor T-cells. In healthy individuals, the H/S ratio ranges between 1.6 and 2.2.When the body mounts an immune response, as against a virus or a transplant, the ratio is almost always reduced because of a decrease in the number of circulating helper-inducer cells and an increase in suppressor cells. The CD4/CD8 count has been used to monitor for signs of organ rejection after transplants, and more recently has become a tool for assessing the relative condition of HIV patients. With the CD4 absolute count and the CD4 lymphocyte percentage, it provides a way of gauging the progression from HIV to AIDS. (05 Mar 2000) |
| CD4 cell count | The most commonly used surrogate marker for assessing the state of the immune system. As CD4 cell count declines, the risk of developing opportunistic infections increases. The normal range for CD4 cell counts is 500 to 1500 per cubic millimetre of blood. CD4 count should be rechecked at least every six to twelve months if CD4s are greater than 500/mm3. If the count is lower, testing every three months is advised. (09 Oct 1997) |
| CD4 count, absolute | The number of helper T-lymphocytes in a cubic millimeter of blood. With HIV, the absolute CD4 count declines as the infection progresses. The absolute CD4 count is frequently used to monitor the extent of immune suppression in persons with HIV. Also called a T4 count. (12 Dec 1998) |
| CD4 lymphocyte count | A count of the number of CD4-positive lymphocytes in the blood. Determination requires the use of a fluorescence-activated flow cytometer. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cell count | A count of the number of cells of a specific kind, usually measured per unit volume of sample. (12 Dec 1998) |
| reticulocyte count | Determination of the number of reticulocytes in a measured volume of blood. Values for reticulocytes are expressed as a percentage of the erythrocyte count or in the form of a so-called "corrected" reticulocyte "index". An increase in circulating reticulocytes, often referred to as reticulocytosis, is among the simplest and most reliable signs of accelerated erythrocyte production. Reticulocytosis, or an increased reticulocyte count, occurs during active blood regeneration (stimulation of red bone marrow) and in certain anaemias, particularly congenital haemolytic anaemia. (12 Dec 1998) |
| colony count, microbial | Enumeration by direct count of viable, isolated bacterial or fungal cells or spores capable of growth on solid culture media. Each colony (i.e., microbial colony-forming unit) represents the progeny of a single cell in the original inoculum. The method is used routinely by environmental microbiologists for quantifying organisms in air, food, and water; by clinicians for measuring patients' microbial load; and in antimicrobial drug testing. (12 Dec 1998) |
| white blood cell count | <haematology> A laboratory test which measures the number of white blood cells per cubic millimetre of blood. Normal white blood cell counts are variable with age and sex. Normal adult range is 4, 500 to 11,000 cells per cubic millimetre of blood. Slightly higher counts are seen in children. Elevated counts can be seen in cases of inflammation and infection. (13 Nov 1997) |
| complete blood count | <haematology, investigation> The number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are present in the patients sample of blood is determined. most common test done on the blood. Acronym: CBC Synonym: full blood count. (16 Mar 1998) |
| platelet count | <haematology> The number of platelets per cubic millimetre of blood. The normal range is 150,000-400,000 platelets per cubic mm. Platelet counts under 10,000 per cubic millimetre place the patient at risk for spontaneous haemorrhage. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow in increased quantities in response to stress. (27 Sep 1997) |