Final answer:
In scientific notation, white blood cells are counted and reported in cells per liter or microliter during hemocytometer counts, and a differential count is used to ascertain the relative proportions of each cell type. Counts are often rounded to reflect the precision of the measurements, and a tally of at least 100 cells is usually performed to calculate percentages and assess the healthiness of the sample.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scientific notation used for counting white blood cells during a hemocytometer count is typically expressed in terms of cells per microliter (µl) or for larger volumes cells per liter (L). When performing a differential white blood cell count or a 'Diff', leukocytes are identified and tallied until at least 100 cells are counted to ascertain their relative proportions. To report these findings accurately, it is often required to convert the raw counts into a scientific notation that reflects the precision of the measurement. For example, normal leukocyte counts in humans are generally considered healthy in the range of 3.5 to 11 x 10⁹ cells/L. When expressing cell counts using scientific notation, the figures are often rounded to include only significant figures that accurately denote the measurement's precision.
To carry out a cell count, a prepared slide with a Wright stained blood smear is scanned in a systematic pattern to identify each type of white blood cell. This counting method ensures that no cell is counted more than once. Once a total of 100 cells have been identified and classified, the percentage of each cell type can easily be calculated by determining the proportion of each cell type out of the 100 cells counted. This percentage is crucial for assessing the normality or abnormality of the blood smear.