The value of the white blood cell count and differential in the prediction of neonatal sepsis
Polinski, C.
Neonatal Network Nn 15(7): 13-23
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0730-0832 PMID: 9035640 Document Number: 454982
Infection is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in high-risk neonates. Because infection has many nonspecific signs and symptoms, the neonatal nurse plays a crucial role in the early recognition of infection. The interpretation of the white blood cell (WBC) count and differential can be difficult and must take into account many factors, including gestational age, weight, and postconceptional age. This article focuses on those factors that affect WBC interpretation, as well as steps nurses can take to minimize specimen and sampling errors.