Monocyte Count (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

FBC

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1000

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

FBC analysis should occur within 6 hours of collection but may be processed up to 24 hours post collection if the sample is refrigerated at 4 degrees C. The reported monocyte count may be from the automated haematology analyser or from microscopic examination and manual white cell differential. The peripheral blood film smear should ideally be prepared within 4 hours of collection. The blood film can be made up to 24 hours after collection if the FBC is stored at 4 degrees C.

Synonyms

Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC), Blood Monocyte Count

Turnaround Time

1 hour

Available 24 hours

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Microtainer)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Uncertainty of Measurement

20%

Additional Costing Information

For pricing inquiries, please contact us at +642760167

Monocytes constitute approximately 2-7% of circulating white cells. After circulating for 20-40 hours, monocytes enter the tissues where they transform to macrophages and can then last from months to years.

Monocytes are differentiated from other leucocytes by Side Fluorescent Light and Forward Scattered Light measurements in the Sysmex XN WDF Channel.

Monocytes are the largest leucocytes and have a large central purple staining nucleus in a Romanovsky stained blood film. The abundant pale blue cytoplasm contains many fine vacuoles.

Monocyte Function
Monocytes are attracted to micro-organisms or sites of inflammation. Phagocytosis then occurs and the micro-organism is surrounded by membrane and fused with a primary lysosome. This phagosome is then attacked by bactericidal proteins and hydrolytic enzymes, as well as hydrogen peroxide. Phagoctic monocytes also contain the antiviral substance interferon. Macrophages have a major role in processing and presenting foreign antigens to the immune system. They also release many growth factors to regulate inflammation and immune responses.

Causes of a raised monocyte count (monocytosis):
Chronic bacterial infection - TB, brucellosis, endocarditis, typhoid.
Chronic neutropenia.
Drugs - G-CSF, GM-CSF.
Haematologic - Myeloproliferative disorders (especially CMML), Hodgkins disease.
Protozoal infections and malaria
Chronic inflammatory conditions - Chrohn's disease, SLE, ulcerative colitis
Carcinoma

Contact Information

Contact Information