The fluid used in WBC (White Blood Cell) counting is WBC diluting fluid.
This fluid serves a crucial purpose in the process of counting white blood cells, primarily by lysing (breaking down) red blood cells and staining the nuclei of leukocytes (white blood cells) for easier identification and counting. According to the provided reference, the fluid contains specific components that facilitate these functions:
- Glacial acetic acid: This lyses the red blood cells.
- Gentian violet: This slightly stains the nuclei of the leucocytes (WBCs).
Here's a summary in table format:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Glacial Acetic Acid | Lyses red blood cells. |
| Gentian Violet | Stains the nuclei of white blood cells. |
Therefore, WBC diluting fluid plays a vital role in the accurate enumeration of white blood cells.
