Abaxis VetScan HM5, Operator'S Manual

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A-6 Introduction to Veterinary Hematology
Eosinophilia is occasionally depicted as a peak between the MON and GRA classifications.
As with any automated system, good laboratory practice requires that all abnormal results be verified
by slide (blood smear) review.
A.3.4 Eosinophils
Eosinophils — EOS — are granulocytes that are spe-
cialized to attack parasites, such as worms and protozoa.
They are also the primary effector cells in allergic symp-
toms. In most species they can be identified morphologi-
cally by the presence of eosin-staining (red) granules.
A.3.5 Platelets
Platelets — PLT — are non-nucleated fragments of the megakaryocyte in mammals. Note that plate-
lets are formed by cellular fragmentation. Therefore, the platelet histogram normally has a logarithmic
shape on the left side, and a normal shape on the right side (“log-normal” distribution).
Normal PLT concentrations range from 200–800 x 10
9
cells/l (for dogs), depending on the mean plate-
let volume (MPV), but can vary from 0–1000x10
9
cells/l under certain circumstances.
PLTs are relatively small compared to RBCs. The mean platelet volume — MPV — is approximately
10 fl, so in many species PLTs can effectively be separated from RBCs by their size.
EOS
Histogram
EM1
78.8 fl 400 fl