Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory - libdoc.who.int

312 Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratoryFig. 9.95 Small lymphocytesFig. 9.96 Large lymphocytesLarge lymphocytes (Fig. 9.96)Size: 10–15mm.Shape: round or irregular.Nucleus: oval or round, may lie to one side of the cell.Cytoplasm: abundant, pale blue, containing several large, dark red granules.Fig. 9.97 MonocytesMonocytes (Fig. 9.97)Size: 15–25mm (largest of the leukocytes).Shape: irregular.Nucleus: variable, often kidney-shaped with pale mauve chromatinarranged in strands.Cytoplasm: pale blue, containing fine, dust-like, usually reddish granules.Vacuoles are usually present.In patients suffering from malaria the cytoplasm often containsbrownish-black masses. These masses are malaria pigment.Fig. 9.98 Plasma cellsRare or abnormal cellsPlasma cells (Fig. 9.98)Plasma cells produce antibodies. They may be seen in blood filmsprepared from patients with measles, tuberculosis, other viral or bacterialinfections or multiple myeloma.Size: 12–15mm.Shape: round or oval.Nucleus: round, eccentric, with densely packed chromatin, often in awheel-like arrangement.Cytoplasm: dark blue with a pale-staining area round the nucleus.Numerous very small vacuoles are present, which are not easilyseen.