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Family, Internal Medicine, General Medical Questions/what does a shift (left, etc.)...
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Question
what does a shift (left, etc.) in white count mean? I think you look at the segs, is that correct?
Hi,
This is an old term to describe immature white blood cells that are liberated by infection response. It comes from the use of a now no longer used manual device to count white blood cells under a microscope. The "left shift" meant that the immature cell counting button was on the left of a keyboard.
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Answers by Expert:
Charles Cusumano, PA-C, DFAAPA
Expertise
I`m a Physician Assistant in medical practice since 1975. I`m a nationally certified Physician Assistant and am a nationally credentialed Family Medicine Practitioner. I was also honored as a Distinguished Fellow in the AAPA.
Experience
Radiologic Technologist 1963-1973;
Training in Hand and Upper Extremity
Microvascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic;
and injury of the hand and upper extremity. I have taught pediatric ambulatory trauma. I'm ACLS certified.
I serve as Honorary Chairman from Kentucky to the Republican National Congressional Committee Physician Advisory Board.
Organizations
AAPA, KAPA
Awards and Honors
Distinguished Fellow American Academy of Physician Assistants
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