A Dilution-Stain for Direct Enumeration of Avian Blood Cells
J.M. Dixon, Betty J. Torbert · Poultry Science · 1959
Numerous workers have searched for a direct method for the enumeration of avian blood cells. Erythrocytes are easily counted but leukocytes are difficult to enumerate. Dennington and Lucas (1955) and Machado (1951) used the Rees-Ecker method for direct counts of erythrocytes and leukocytes. We have tried various methods but none seemed selective enough for accurate leukocyte and thrombocyte counts. PROCEDURE The dilution-stain used is a modification of the Rees-Ecker method (McClung's 1950), made by mixing 3.8 gm. of sodium citrate, 0.2 gm. brilliant cresyl blue, 0.2 gm. methyl red, then adding 100 ml. of distilled water and 2.5 ml. neutralized formalin. It must be filtered each time before using. Only two weeks supply should be made at one time. Following the usual procedure for counting blood cells, using clean glassware, the blood sample is drawn from a freely flowing drop of heparinized blood to the 1.0 mark in a red …