STUDY OF ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE AND WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT VALUES IN A CLINICAL LABORATORY

Khaled Alhomsi*

ABSTRACT

Objective: This research was conducted to show the relation between two of the most common inflammatory markers and how they interact with each other. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective study of 88 patients of who we studied their white blood cell (WBC) count results compared with their concomitant ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) results of the patients who reviewed Alhomsi Clinical Laboratories between January 2018 to March 2019. Results: All cases with a WBC count ≥15×103 /mm3 whole blood had an abnormal ESR, while only 4 cases (25%) of cases with a WBC count <15×103 /mm3 whole blood had a normal ESR compared to 75% with a WBC count<15×103 /mm3 whole blood and >normal had an abnormal ESR. 58% of all cases with a normal WBC count had abnormal ESR, which could be related to different factors discussed below. None of the cases with a normal WBC count had an ESR of >50 mm/hr. Conclusion: High WBC count almost always accompanies high ESR as indication of inflammation, however, some cases could have a high ESR with normal WBC count and these should be carefully examined to exclude the causes and different comorbidities.

Keywords: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, White blood Cell Count, Inflammation, Laboratory Assessment.