Blood, 1958, Vol. 13, No. 7, pp. 677-683.
© 1958 American Society of Hematology, Inc.
A Rapid Method for Estimation of the
Total Leukocyte Count
NAOMI R. BENJAMIN 1
1 Department of Hematology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Walter
Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
A technic has been devised for the estimation of the white blood cell
count by examination of a stained drop of blood of standard size. The drop
is measured by immersing a pinhead in the blood and then touching onto
a microscope slide the blood which adheres to the surface of the pinhead.
The drop is dried and stained and the count is estimated by comparing its
microscopic appearance with photographs or "standard" preparations. It was
developed to be used as a screening procedure in case of atomic war, but
it may prove useful in epidemics or as a routine screening method in the
hematology laboratories of large hospitals.
Submitted on November 18, 1957
Accepted on January 28, 1958
