Comparison of diffcount results using Giemsa and Wright staining in immediate and delayed samples
Abstract
Background: Differential leukocyte counting is an important hematological examination that relies on accurate identification of leukocyte morphology in peripheral blood smears. Examination delays may affect cellular morphology and differential leukocyte count results, while staining methods may produce different microscopic characteristics. Objectives: This study aimed to compare differential leukocyte count results using Giemsa and Wright staining in immediate and delayed blood smear examinations. Materials and Methods: An experimental study with a static group comparison design was conducted using four EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples from students of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya. Each sample was prepared into eight peripheral blood smear slides, resulting in 32 preparations examined immediately and after 6, 12, and 24 hours using Wright and Giemsa staining. Differential leukocyte counts were performed microscopically at 1000× magnification. Data were analyzed using the Friedman test with α = 0.05. Results: Descriptive variations were observed in basophils, eosinophils, band neutrophils, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes across staining methods and examination times. However, the Friedman test showed no statistically significant differences for basophils (p = 0.066), eosinophils (p = 0.864), band neutrophils (p = 0.763), segmented neutrophils (p = 0.066), lymphocytes (p = 0.954), and monocytes (p = 0.398). Microscopic observations showed that leukocyte morphology remained identifiable despite differences in staining intensity and cellular contrast. Conclusions: Examination delays of up to 24 hours did not significantly affect differential leukocyte count results using Giemsa and Wright staining under the conditions of this study.
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