How are granulocytes classified?

Granulocytes are classified primarily based on their staining properties. This classification is essential because granulocytes contain distinct granules that can be visualized through various staining techniques. These granules will take on different colors when specific stains are applied, which helps in identifying the specific type of granulocyte.

For example, when a blood smear is stained with Wright's stain, neutrophils will show light pink granules, eosinophils will display orange-red granules, and basophils will reveal deep blue or purple granules. This differentiation is crucial in a laboratory setting, as it allows technicians to identify and count different types of white blood cells, which is vital for diagnosing various conditions.

In contrast, classification based on size, color, or shape is not standardized or effective for granulocyte identification, as these factors can vary widely among different cell types or under different circumstances without providing the specificity that staining offers. Thus, focusing on staining properties allows for a clear and reliable method to classify these important immune cells.