Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.

Assertion A: Schilling Index helps in determining the immature form of neutrophils in blood.

Reason R: Increase in number of mature cell is known as ‘Shift to Left'.

In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
• C. A is true but R is false.
• D. A is false but R is true.

Hint:

Remember the Schilling Index rule: Left Shift = Increase in immature neutrophils (band cells), while Right Shift = Increase in mature hypersegmented neutrophils. This distinction is frequently asked in hematology and veterinary pathology exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Schilling Index is used in hematology to evaluate the proportion of mature and immature neutrophils in peripheral blood.
It helps identify changes in neutrophil maturation, particularly the presence of a “left shift” during infections and inflammatory conditions.
Detailed Explanation:
Assertion A:
The Schilling Index estimates the distribution of neutrophil developmental stages and is useful in determining the proportion of immature neutrophils in blood.
An increase in immature forms such as band neutrophils indicates a left shift.
Therefore, Assertion A is true.
Reason R:
The statement says that an increase in the number of mature cells is called “Shift to Left.”
This is incorrect.
A Shift to Left refers to an increased number of immature neutrophils (especially band cells) in circulation.
An increase in mature hypersegmented neutrophils is known as a Shift to Right.
Hence, Reason R is false.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Assertion A is true, but Reason R is false.
\[ \boxed{(C) A is true but R is false. \]