Leukocyte 5-part differential count using a microfluidic cytometer

A portable leukocyte differential count is especially desirable for the emerging needs from bedside and NASA spaceflight healthcare. However, previous efforts to miniaturize the test using microfluidics have shown only a 3-part differential of leukocyte including lymphocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil, whereas the 5-part differential is still lacking. Here we report a complete 5-part differential leukocyte count, where lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil are counted and classified on a microfluidic cytometer. This is done using a dye-staining assay with a two-color fluorescence detection scheme. The differential results are further validated by spiking whole blood samples with purified leukocyte cells.