If a vet technician counts leukocytes in four areas of a hemocytometer and the counts are 23, 27, 28, and 34, what is the calculated total leukocyte count?

To determine the total leukocyte count from the leukocyte counts obtained from the hemocytometer, you first need to calculate the average leukocyte count from the four areas measured. The values provided are 23, 27, 28, and 34.

1. Calculate the average: Add all the counts together:

23 + 27 + 28 + 34 = 112

Then, divide this sum by the number of counts (which is 4): 112 ÷ 4 = 28

2. Calculate the total leukocyte count: Hemocytometers are typically calibrated to provide a leukocyte count per microliter of blood. The average count of 28 can be related to the total leukocyte count based on the volume that the hemocytometer represents. Standard practice is to multiply the count by a dilution factor, depending on the specific type of hemocytometer and the volume of fluid counted. Often, a factor of 2000 is used, leading to: 28 (the average count) × 2000 = 56000 leukocytes per liter.

However, when interpreting the values, it’s also common in veterinary settings to express the