[Feasibility of a simple measurement for white blood cell by immunologically measured granulocyte elastase in whole blood].

Using whole blood sample, we examined the correlation between concentration of granulocyte elastase (GEL) in granulocyte obtained by immunoassay and white blood cell counts. The correlation between concentration of GEL and granulocyte cell counts was also examined. The correlation coefficient between concentration of GEL and white blood cell counts was R = 0.87, and that between concentration of GEL and granulocyte cell counts was R = 0.91. The correlation coefficients of outpatients and patients with diseases accompanied by inflammation except for tumors were better than those of inpatients. The GEL concentration in granulocyte using whole blood sample well responded to the white blood cell counts against the tolerance for a short time, such as after operations. Especially on screening tests of diseases accompanied by inflammation and primary care, analysis of GEL in whole blood is not only useful for observation of inflammation and its progress but also suggests possibility of converting GEL to white blood cell counts or granulocyte. Furthermore, because it can be measured by easy-operative latex agglutination turbidimetric method, an easy measurement system can be built. Extended usage of the system as a rapid diagnostic tool on emergency tests in general clinics and hospitals are expected.