The blood count machine does not typically categorize lymphoblasts and myeloblasts under a specific category. Instead, these cells are part of the differential blood cell count, which is a component of the complete blood count (CBC) test.
The CBC is a common blood test that provides important information about the overall health of a person and can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions, including infections, anemia, and certain types of leukemia.
The CBC consists of several components, including:
White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: This measures the total number of white blood cells in the blood, which includes various types of immune cells, including lymphocytes and myelocytes (immature forms of white blood cells).
Differential White Blood Cell Count: This component provides information about the percentages of different types of white blood cells present in the blood. It includes lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Lymphoblasts and myeloblasts are typically counted as part of the lymphocyte and myelocyte counts, respectively.
Lymphoblasts are immature lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), and their presence may indicate certain types of leukemia, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Myeloblasts are immature cells that give rise to granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), and their presence may suggest acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or other myeloproliferative disorders.
It is essential to interpret the results of the differential white blood cell count in conjunction with other clinical findings and tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. In cases where abnormal cells like lymphoblasts or myeloblasts are detected in the blood, further investigations and specialized tests are usually performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most suitable treatment approach.