Health Boards
Sat-16-05-2015, 04:35 AM
It is not hard to count your own white cells and lymphocytes. All you need is a microscope, preferably binocular with at least 200 x magnification and an xy stage, a blood glucose testing lancet, an insulin syringe, a counter, a 1=10 microlitre micropipette, a Neubauer hemacytometer and coverslips, a bottle of vinegar, and either a microscope slide or preferably a teflon coated well. Draw 100 microlitres of vinegar with the insulin syringe and put it on a microscope slide or in a teflon coated well. Set the micropipette to 5 microlitres and remove 5 microlitres of vinegar from the slide or well. Use the lancet on a fingertip then take 5 microlitres of blood with the micropipette. Add the blood to the vinegar in the well or on the slide and mix well by repeatedly drawing and expressing the blood/vinegar mix to and from the micropipette. When the mixture changes from red to brown (this happens when the red cells pop), transfer ~25 microlitres to the hemacytometer (with coverslip in place). Capilliary action will draw the mixture from the edge of the coverslip into the hemocytometer. Put on the microscope stage and start counting the WBCs in the 128 squares. Multiply the result by 25 for a cell count per millilitre estimate. With a bit of practice you can differentiate the lymphocytes. It is a good idea to set up the microscope first, so you dont waste time finding the counting chamber. Broaden your horizons, Caroline!
Jim, would it have been better had I been able to get DMF prescribed here? Yes and no. In hindsight 720 mg per day (2 x 360 mg) depressed my white cell count too much, and 3 x 240 mg would have caused a similar suppression and been less effective against my psoriasis. I would not have had the liberty to play around with the dosage as I have done, and I believe that the raw DMF may have advantages over the tablet form for the way I take it. As it is I am controlling my psoriasis, reducing my psoriatic arthropathy and slowly regaining flexibility and range of movement, all without the fear of a depressed white cell count.
Cheers,
Bill
Jim, would it have been better had I been able to get DMF prescribed here? Yes and no. In hindsight 720 mg per day (2 x 360 mg) depressed my white cell count too much, and 3 x 240 mg would have caused a similar suppression and been less effective against my psoriasis. I would not have had the liberty to play around with the dosage as I have done, and I believe that the raw DMF may have advantages over the tablet form for the way I take it. As it is I am controlling my psoriasis, reducing my psoriatic arthropathy and slowly regaining flexibility and range of movement, all without the fear of a depressed white cell count.
Cheers,
Bill