Final answer:
To calculate the absolute eosinophil count, the percentage of eosinophils within a total leukocyte count is necessary, which is missing in the provided data. Eosinophils are important in the immune response, and their counts may indicate various health conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The absolute eosinophil count can be calculated from the total leukocyte (white blood cell) count by multiplying the percentage of eosinophils by the total white blood cell count. In this case study, if the student was given a white blood cell count but it wasn't included in the provided material, we would use the normal range of 6.0–17.5 K/µL as a reference, and typical eosinophil percentages of 2-4% to estimate the count. However, from the data provided, we cannot calculate the absolute eosinophil count because the required total leukocyte count and the percentage of eosinophils aren't given.
Eosinophils play crucial roles in the immune system, such as combatting parasitic infections and contributing to allergic responses. High eosinophil counts are indicative of certain health issues such as allergies, parasitic infections, and some autoimmune diseases, while low counts can be associated with drug toxicity and stress. These cells can be recognized in a blood smear by their characteristic bi-lobed nuclei and granules that stain well with eosin.