Abnormality in blood test. Understanding Abnormal Blood Work: A Comprehensive Guide to Interpreting Your Test Results
What happens when you have abnormal blood work? Should you be worried? Get answers to your questions about interpreting blood test results and learn what steps to take if you receive an abnormal finding.
The Importance of Regular Blood Testing
Routine blood work is an essential part of maintaining your overall health and wellness. Most doctors recommend getting a complete blood count (CBC) at least once a year, usually during your annual physical. However, there are several other reasons you may want to get blood tests more frequently:
- You’re experiencing unusual or persistent symptoms, such as fatigue, abnormal weight changes, or new pain
- You want to optimize your health by monitoring levels of key nutrients, cholesterol, and other blood components
- You want to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases by catching early warning signs
What Causes Abnormal Blood Work Results?
It’s actually quite common to have abnormal blood work results, especially when getting routine testing. In fact, one out of every 20 people who get routine blood work will have an abnormal result. There are several potential reasons for this:
- Everyday factors like diet and exercise can temporarily skew your normal values
- Less common factors like an infection or injury can also lead to abnormal results
- More serious conditions like cancer or chronic diseases may be indicated by abnormal tests
The most common cause of abnormal blood work is simply inflammation, which occurs when your body is trying to heal itself. These tests can indicate there is something wrong inside your body, even if it’s not a serious condition.
What Happens After an Abnormal Result?
If you receive an abnormal blood work result, your doctor will likely suggest further testing to understand what’s happening. This could include:
- Retesting your blood to confirm the initial abnormal result
- Ordering additional tests like urine analysis, x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans
- Diagnosing any underlying conditions and determining the best course of treatment
It’s important to remember that not all abnormal results indicate a serious problem. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best next steps based on your specific situation and health history.
Dealing with Abnormal Blood Test Results
Getting an abnormal blood test result can be understandably alarming, but try not to panic. Here are some tips for dealing with this situation:
- Don’t assume the worst. Abnormal results don’t necessarily mean you have a life-threatening condition.
- Communicate openly with your doctor. Discuss the results and understand what they mean for your health.
- Be patient and follow up as recommended. Your doctor may want to retest or order additional tests to get a clearer picture.
- Avoid making major lifestyle changes until you have a definitive diagnosis. Drastic measures could do more harm than good.
The Importance of Early Intervention
While abnormal blood work results can be scary, there’s an important silver lining: early detection allows for early intervention. If you do have a chronic condition like high cholesterol or diabetes, getting it diagnosed and treated early can significantly reduce your risks of developing serious complications down the line.
Your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized care plan, which may include medications, dietary changes, or other lifestyle modifications. Regular follow-up blood tests can also help monitor the effectiveness of your treatment and allow for adjustments as needed.
Staying Proactive and Informed
The key to managing abnormal blood work results is to stay proactive, communicate openly with your healthcare team, and remain informed about your health. By understanding the potential causes and taking the right steps, you can work towards maintaining optimal wellness and avoiding more serious health issues in the future.
Remember, an abnormal blood test result doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. But it is an important signal that you should take the time to investigate further and address any underlying concerns. With the right approach, you can take control of your health and feel empowered to make the best decisions for your wellbeing.
What Happens When You Have Abnormal Blood Work?
When you get your blood tested as part of a routine checkup, you might be relieved when everything comes back normal and your doctor doesn’t find anything alarming. However, what happens if your blood work turns up abnormal results? Should you be worried, or will it go away on its own? What does it mean for your health and wellness? Here’s what you need to know about blood work and abnormal results.
Routine blood testing
Your doctor will usually recommend that you get routine blood work at least once a year, around the same time as your yearly physical.
However, this is the bare minimum. There are several major reasons you may want to get blood tests more often than that:
- You’re experiencing unusual, persistent symptoms. These could include anything from fatigue to abnormal weight gain to new pain.
- You want to optimize your health. Knowing levels of various blood components, such as HDL and LDL cholesterol, can allow you to tweak your diet or fitness plan to minimize unhealthy habits (that you may not even realize are unhealthy). This can also maximize the nutrients you put in your body and more.
- You want to reduce your risk of disease or complications.
Read more about the common myths of cholesterol.
Regular blood tests can catch the warning signs of almost any disease early. Many heart, lung, and kidney conditions can be diagnosed using blood tests.
Abnormal blood work results are common, especially when you get routine blood testing. One out of every 20 people who get routine blood testing will have an abnormal result. There are multiple reasons that someone might have abnormal blood work results, including some diseases and infections. It’s important to remember that not all abnormal test results mean you have a serious disease—some tests just give false positives, which is why it’s important to go back for further testing if your test comes back abnormal. If you receive an abnormal blood work result during your next regular checkup, talk with your doctor about what it means for you and what they recommend moving forward to understand it better.
Your doctor may suggest that you get further testing for an abnormal blood work result. This can be done using other tests or by taking another sample of your blood to check again. For example, if your cholesterol is elevated on one test but not on another, it could mean that you have hyperlipidemia rather than high cholesterol. Your doctor will work with you to determine what steps are best to figure out what’s going on. These other tests can include urine tests, x-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans, among others depending on your case. Depending on how serious it might be, getting treated early can drastically reduce your chances of developing chronic conditions in the future.
After your doctor collects all of your blood work results, they’ll be able to diagnose whether you have a disease and can provide you with steps to take to prevent it from getting worse. If you do have a chronic condition, such as high cholesterol or diabetes, there are often medical treatments that can help manage it to keep it under control. Some medications also need follow-up blood testing at regular intervals so that your doctor can adjust dosages as needed based on how well your body responds. Your doctor will determine what is right for you based on your history and current health status.
Abnormal blood test results
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to find out that they have abnormal blood work. This can be incredibly frightening—especially if you don’t know what it means. But don’t worry; we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about your abnormal blood results. Here are some of our tips for how to deal with abnormal blood tests.
The most important thing to remember about abnormal blood test results is that they’re not necessarily life-threatening. Although it’s always best to talk to your doctor when you get an abnormal blood test result, in some cases, you may be told to simply wait and retest later. There are several potential reasons for abnormally high or low results, including everyday factors like diet and exercise, which can skew your normal values; less common factors like an infection or injury; or even more serious conditions like cancer. The most common cause of abnormal blood work is inflammation—which occurs when your body is trying to heal itself—and these tests can indicate if there’s something wrong inside of you.
As you can see, it’s totally normal to feel a little scared when you get an abnormal blood test result—but don’t worry: these tests don’t necessarily mean anything is wrong with you. Further conversation with your doctor often will put your mind at ease.
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What to do about abnormal blood test results
Whether it’s high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, or diabetes, what should you do if your doctor says your test results are abnormal? The answer depends on which tests reveal abnormalities. If only one test is abnormal, it may be an isolated finding. Your doctor can explain what to do next and schedule follow-up tests to help determine whether you have a condition that requires treatment. If two or more tests show problems, you should ask for an explanation because these results may indicate that other medical conditions exist. For example, if your blood sugar level is high and your cholesterol is elevated, then there’s a good chance you have diabetes or pre-diabetes.
If you have a condition that requires treatment, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan. This may be as simple as changing your diet and starting an exercise program to control diabetes or reduce high blood pressure. In some cases, medication will be recommended as well. Don’t assume that one medication is enough—be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on all medications you take.
In some cases, specific lifestyle changes can improve conditions such as high cholesterol and diabetes without requiring medication.
If you’re not sure what to do about abnormal blood test results, it’s important to see your doctor.
If you haven’t done routine blood work in a while and don’t want to drive or wait or pay crazy amounts to have it done. Consider doing it easily and affordably from home by clicking here.
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Blood count – Better Health Channel
Summary
Read the full fact sheet
- A full blood count (FBC) test looks for abnormalities in your blood, such as unusually high or low numbers of blood cells.
- This common blood test can help to diagnose a wide range of illnesses, infections and diseases.
- Your doctor may arrange further tests to help determine the cause of the abnormality.
The full blood count (FBC) is a common test that can help to diagnose a wide range of illnesses, infections and diseases. The doctor, nurse or technician takes a blood sample from you using a needle inserted into a vein in your hand or the crook of your elbow.
The blood sample is collected inside a special vial that contains a chemical to prevent the blood from clotting. The sample is sent to a laboratory and put into a machine for analysis. The FBC test looks for abnormalities in your blood, such as unusually high or low numbers of blood cells. If an abnormality is found, your doctor will usually arrange further tests to find the cause of the abnormality.
Blood count procedure
In most cases, no special preparation is needed before the test. The procedure normally includes the following:
- At the surgery, you are asked to sit or lie down.
- A tourniquet is put around your arm and tightened to increase blood volume in your veins. The doctor, nurse or technician may ask you to clench and unclench your fist to help swell your veins with blood.
- The injection site is wiped with an alcohol preparation to clean the site and reduce the risk of infection.
- The doctor, nurse or technician inserts a needle into your vein and draws the blood, which is collected inside a syringe or vial. You may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but this is usually minimal.
- Once the blood sample has been taken, the person taking the sample will ask you to press gauze or cotton wool against the injection site to minimise bleeding. They will cover the injection site with an adhesive dressing. You may have minor bruising at the injection site for a day or two.
Blood explained
Approximately seven to eight per cent of your body weight is blood. This means a person who weighs 70 kg has approximately 5 to 5.5 litres of blood.
Blood has four main components. The main component (60 per cent) is the liquid called plasma, which is made up of water, fat, protein, sugar and salts. Blood cells make up the other 40 per cent and include:
- red blood cells – known as erythrocytes. Every red blood cell contains haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen. Haemoglobin contains iron, which is important for carrying oxygen around the body
- white blood cells – known collectively as leukocytes. These are cells of the immune system that fight infection. The different types of white blood cells include lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils and basophils.
- platelets – help to clot the blood to stop bleeding.
Blood has numerous functions which include: transporting oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, transporting white cells and antibodies to fight infection, forming blood clots to prevent bleeding, and carrying waste products to the liver and kidneys which assist in filtering and cleaning the blood.
Full blood count assessment
The full blood count test:
- counts the total number of red cells, white cells and platelets in the sample
- determines the ratio of red cells to plasma (‘haematocrit’ or ‘packed cell volume’)
- determines the count of each of the white cell subsets
- works out the average haemoglobin level in the red cells (‘mean cell haemoglobin’)
- measures the average size of the red cells (mean cell volume)
- if required, reviews the blood cells under a microscope (blood smear/film).
Abnormalities in a full blood count
The results of a full blood count are compared to charts that list the normal range of numbers and ratios for each type of blood cell. A result above or below the normal range may indicate an abnormality.
Many illnesses, diseases or infections other than the ones listed below can cause an abnormal full blood count result. Abnormalities of the blood sample may include:
- red blood cells and haemoglobin – low levels (anaemia) may suggest not enough iron in the diet, blood loss or certain chronic diseases (such as kidney disease). High levels (polycythaemia) may suggest polycythaemia vera, kidney disease, chronic lung disease or physiological changes due to living in areas of high altitude
- red blood cell to plasma ratio – a lower-than-normal ratio of red blood cells to plasma suggests the person may have anaemia. The opposite finding suggests that the person may be dehydrated or has too many red cells (polycythaemia)
- white blood cells – low levels (leucopenia) may suggest the person has a viral infection, bone marrow disease or has been exposed to chemo- or radiotherapy. High levels (leucocytosis) may suggest bacterial infection, an inflammatory disease or bone marrow disease
- platelets – low levels (thrombocytopenia) may be the result of taking some medications, viral infection, bone marrow disorders, or an autoimmune disorder. High levels (thrombocythaemia) may suggest the presence of a bone marrow disease or an inflammatory condition.
Ask your doctor for further information about these tests.
Blood smear
A ‘blood smear’ is when a thin film of your blood sample is examined under a microscope.
A blood smear can reveal:
- a range of diseases including red blood cell disorders (such as sickle cell anaemia)
- the presence of blood-borne parasites such as malaria
- a white blood cell disorder such as lymphoma or leukaemia.
Full blood count and accuracy
The full blood count test is not foolproof and errors sometimes occur. If this happens, your doctor will want to repeat the test. Errors may include:
- failure of the equipment – for example, the blood clots in the vial
- incorrect labelling of the sample
- incorrect handling of the specimen – for example the sample is left in the sun and deteriorates
- contamination of the sample
- alcohol in the blood.
Where to get help
- Your GP (doctor)
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Complete blood count【KLA】 – interpretation and norms of indicators
Attention!
The information in the article is for reference only and cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
To decipher the results of the analyzes, contact a specialist.
Contents
- Indications for a CBC
- Clinical blood counts
- Preparing for a CBC
- What can affect the results of a general blood test
- Complete blood count norms
Complete (clinical) blood test is a common method for studying blood cells and one of the most affordable
in clinical practice. When you go to the doctor complaining of poor health, he
Will definitely order a blood test. Using it, a general assessment of the patient’s health status is quickly carried out.
According to changes in the analysis, doctors draw conclusions about the direction of the development of the disease and decide which examination tactics to choose.
Indications for the appointment of the analysis
With the help of a blood test and the detection of changes in it, it is suggested that there is some kind of pathology in the body.
Sometimes, by analysis, you can find a pathology at an early stage, when there are no main symptoms yet.
In the presence of clinical manifestations of the disease, the study helps to clarify the nature and intensity of inflammation.
The analysis is used to detect inflammatory pathologies, allergies, blood diseases.
Repeated research allows the doctor to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.
Main indicators
This laboratory test is intended to quantify and qualitatively determine
all classes of shaped elements and other indicators.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the main part of the red blood cell, which belongs to proteins.
It binds carbon dioxide and oxygen molecules. The protein delivers oxygen molecules from the lung tissue to all organs,
and carbon dioxide back into the lungs. Hemoglobin contains iron, which gives the red color to these blood cells.
Hemoglobin level is an important indicator. When it decreases, less oxygen enters the tissues, which every cell needs.
Normal hemoglobin levels are: in women – 120-140 g / l, in men – 130-160 g / l. In newborns, the number
erythrocytes significantly exceeds their number in adults in the first days after birth, it gradually decreases.
If readings are below normal, diagnose anemia. A decrease indicates a delay in the body or an increase
human fluid intake. Hemoglobin levels above normal are observed due to thickening with dehydration.
An increase is a typical sign of erythremia. This is a blood disease in which many red blood cells are produced.
Erythrocytes
Erythrocytes are red blood cells. Outwardly, they look like a biconcave disk, which is essential
increases the surface. Their size is possible from 7 to 10 microns. They lack a nucleus and organelles.
These cells are involved in the process of gas exchange. They transport oxygen to organs and tissues from the lung alveoli.
Red blood cells carry carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.
They are also involved in water and salt metabolism and regulate plasma acidity. Normal in men – 4-5 * 1012 g / l,
and for women – 3.9-4.7*1012 g/l. A decrease in red blood cells is observed with anemia, bleeding, hyperhydration.
An excess of the number of cells indicates dehydration, erythremia, tumors. This occurs when there is
kidney cysts, as well as dropsy of the renal pelvis.
Leukocytes
Leukocytes are white bodies that perform a protective function and enter the immune system.
Normally, their number is in the range of 4-9 * 109 / liter. An increase in the number of white cells indicates an immune response.
This happens with bacterial infections, inflammation, allergies.
The ratio of all types of leukocytes – neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes in the analysis is called the leukocyte formula.
They can increase with recent bleeding, stress, tumor process and other pathologies.
A low level in the analysis indicates a suppression of the immune system. Such results can be observed with viral infections,
severe toxicosis, sepsis, pathology of the hematopoietic system, autoimmune processes, radiation sickness.
Platelets
Platelets are involved in the clotting process. They take part in the immune response in response to penetration
infectious agents. Their norm in the analysis is: 180-320 * 109 per liter. A low level is indicative of inflammation.
process or autoimmune disease. The increase is typical after significant blood loss, with oncological pathologies and
atrophy of the spleen.
Color index
Color index is the ratio of hemoglobin level to the number of red blood cells. Normally, it is close to unity.
Its change is observed in anemia. Values below normal are detected in iron deficiency anemia.
And if it is above the norm, then other types of anemia can be suspected.
Reticulocytes
Reticulocytes are young red blood cells that have not yet matured. They are present in small amounts in the blood.
2 to 10 reticulocytes per thousand red blood cells. When there are more of them in the analysis, this indicates the need for the body
in an increase in the number of red blood cells – destruction or blood loss. Decreased levels occur with anemia,
oncological pathologies, radiation injury and part of kidney diseases.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils bind the infectious agent in tissues. When inflammation is formed, cells move in its focus direction.
Their number is increasing. Neutrophils are produced by the bone marrow, where they mature. The nucleus of a mature neutrophil is divided into segments.
Normally, immature forms are absent in the blood.
The number of segmented particles is 47-72% of the total number of white bodies, and stab forms are not more than 1-6%.
With the intense work of the immune system, the number of stab cells increases.
This phenomenon is called a stab shift. An increase in the number of neutrophils in the analysis indicates a bacterial infection,
ongoing inflammation. It is also possible with stress, intoxication, cancer.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils inactivate immune complexes. They occur when allergens enter the body.
Normally, they make up 1-5% of the total number of white cells. An increase in the analysis indicates an allergic reaction.
or parasitic infection.
Basophils
Basophils are responsible for limiting the damaging effects of toxins and poisons on tissues. They don’t allow
they spread through the bloodstream. Their normal analysis contains 0-1% of the total number of leukocytes.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes represent specific immunity. With their help, the body inactivates viruses. Normal level
of these cells is 19-37% of the total number of leukocytes. Children have more of them.
As children grow older, the decline continues. At the age of 15 years, they have a higher level of lymphocytes than adults.
An increase in number indicates a viral infection. It is noted even with toxoplasmosis, syphilis, tuberculosis.
A decrease in the level of lymphocytes is considered a sign of suppression of the function of the immune system.
Monocytes
Monocytes are present in the blood for about thirty hours. They then leave the bloodstream and migrate to tissues where they become macrophages.
They destroy bacteria and dead cells in the body. Then they clean the place for the regeneration of young healthy tissue.
The norm of monocytes is 3-11% of the total number of leukocytes. An increase in their level is detected in sluggish and long-term diseases.
It is found in sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, syphilis. A large number of these cells in the blood is considered the main symptom of mononucleosis.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
When a test tube with blood is left for a while, the erythrocytes settle to the bottom. Its content is divided into two factions:
the dark part below (erythrocytes), as well as the light part above (plasma). ESR is measured in mm/hour.
Normally, it is: in men – 2-10 mm / hour, and in women – 2-15 mm / hour.
Children, pregnant women and the elderly will have different normal values. The speed is increasing
if the erythrocytes, when settling, begin to stick together faster with each other. This figure depends on many factors.
The most common cause is an inflammatory process. Elevated ESR occurs with liver diseases, processes,
tissue death (heart attack, stroke, tumors and other diseases), blood pathologies, endocrine and autoimmune disorders.
Preparation for complete blood count
Collect blood for analysis on an empty stomach. The last meal before the analysis should be no later than 8 hours.
On the eve exclude stress, physical overstrain, temperature changes. Do not take fatty, sweet, spicy foods.
The analysis should be done before physiotherapy and before taking medication. In emergency cases, a blood test is performed without prior preparation.
What can affect the results
If the patient does not follow the preparation rules, the results may be distorted. Preceding analysis stress causes an increase in leukocytes.
The use of glucocorticoids leads to the same effect. Dehydration of the body calls for thickening of the blood, the number of cellular elements increases.
Eating fatty foods leads to an increase in the level of leukocytes.
Norms for complete blood count results
Norms depend on age and sex. Comparison of the obtained data with normal values helps the doctor to suspect certain diseases,
conduct an in-depth diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.
Hemoglobin
Age | Floor | Hemoglobin level, g/dL |
---|---|---|
up to two weeks | M/F | 13.4–19.8 |
two weeks – month | M/F | 10. 7–17.1 |
1-2 months | M/F | 9.4–13.0 |
4-6 months | M/F | 11.1–14.1 |
9 – 12 months | M/F | 11.3–14.1 |
1 year – 5 years | M/F | 11.0–14.0 |
5 – 10 years | M/F | 11.5–14.5 |
10 – 12 years old | M/F | 12. 0–15.0 |
12 – 15 years old | M F | 12.0–16.0 11.6–15.0 |
15-18 years old | M F | 11.7–16.6 11.7-15.4 |
18 – 45 years old | M F | 3.80–5.10 4.30–5.70 |
45 – 65 years old | M F | 3.80–5.30 4. 20–5.60 |
Erythrocytes
Age | Floor | Erythrocytes, mln/µl (x106/µl) |
---|---|---|
up to two weeks | M/F | 3.90–5.90 |
two weeks – month | M/F | 3.30–5.30 |
1-2 months | M/F | 3.50–5.10 |
4-6 months | M/F | 3.90–5.50 |
9 – 12 months | M/F | 4. 00–5.30 |
1 year – 5 years | M/F | 4.10–5.30 |
5 – 10 years | M/F | 3.70-4.90 |
10 – 12 years old | M/F | 3.80-4.90 |
12 – 15 years old | M F | 3.80–5.00 4.10–5.20 |
15-18 years old | M F | 3. 90–5.10 4.20–5.60 |
18 – 45 years old | M F | 3.80–5.10 4.30–5.70 |
45 – 65 years old | M F | 3.80–5.10 4.30–5.70 |
* The information provided is for reference only. Decoding of analyzes should be done only by a specialist.
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Complete blood count – deciphering the UAC indicators
By: Administrator | Tags: blood test, UAC, complete blood count, decoding of UAC indicators | Comments:
0 | February 18, 2020
Blood is the most important matter of the body, performing regulatory, nutritional, excretory, respiratory and other functions.
Blood is 50% plasma. This is a multicomponent liquid, which includes microelements, enzymes and hormones. The other 50% belong to blood cells, each with its own unique role.
Any disease, whether inflammatory, oncological, autoimmune or metabolic, affects the qualitative and quantitative composition of the blood. And therefore, the diagnosis of diseases begins precisely with the appointment of a general blood test.
Definition and purpose of prescribing
Complete blood count (CBC) is a laboratory diagnostic method for assessing the state of the body and finding the source of pathology. This analysis can be prescribed by a doctor of any specialty. In what cases is KLA prescribed:
- For prophylaxis at medical examinations. The composition of the blood is relatively constant and rarely goes beyond the normal range in a healthy person. And some diseases may not affect well-being for a long time, and then preventive delivery will be the reason for a subsequent examination.
- When the first symptoms of malaise appear. The analysis in this case may allow to determine the nature of the disease, the degree of intensity of inflammation or an allergic reaction.
- KLA may be re-assigned to track the course of the disease after a certain time. Also to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.
What indicators are included in the UAC
The complete blood count includes the following indicators: erythrocytes, hemoglobin, leukocytes, color index, hematocrit, reticulocytes, platelets, ESR.
In some laboratories, the leukocyte formula is signed by default; in some, a doctor’s note is required. It includes the following indicators: eosinophils, basophils, stab and segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes.
Below is a table of norms for a complete blood count:
Indicator | Lab designation | Norma (women) | Norm (men) | Unit |
Erythrocytes | RBC | 3.8-4.5 | 4.4-5.0 | 10 12 /l |
Hemoglobin | HGB | 120-140 | 130-160 | g/l |
Leukocytes | WBC | 4.0-9.0 | 4.0-9.0 | 10 9 /l |
Color index | CPU | 0.8-1.0 | 0.8-1.0 | |
Hematocrit | HCT | 35-45 | 39-49 | % |
Reticulocytes | RET | 0. 2-1.2 | 0.2-1.2 | % |
Platelets | PLT | 170.0-320.0 | 180.0-320.0 | 10 9 /l |
ESR | ESR | 2-15 | 1-10 | mm/hour |
Leukocyte formula: | ||||
Basophils | BAS | 0-1 | 0-1 | % |
Eosinophils | EO | 0.5-5 | 0.5-5 | % |
Myelocytes | 0 | 0 | % | |
Metamyelocytes | 0 | 0 | % | |
Neutrophils, stab | NEUT | 1-6 | 1-6 | % |
Segmented neutrophils | NEUT | 47-67 | 47-67 | % |
Lymphocytes | LYM | 18-40 | 18-40 | % |
Monocytes | MON | 3-11 | 3-11 | % |
In some places, the CBC norm for adults differs from that for children.
For example, the norm of hemoglobin in a child is 110-145 g / l, leukocytes 5.0-12.0 10 9 / l, the content of lymphocytes can be in the range of 26-60%. The remaining parameters of the blood test correspond to the reference values for adults.
By order of the Ministry of Health, in the first year of life, a child’s blood is taken for general analysis 4 times, then at 1 year for 6 months, and then annually, starting from two years. Such measures are necessary for the early detection of blood diseases, anemia, and infections.
Deciphering the complete blood count
Below are the most basic indicators of the KLA, their functions in the body, the reasons for the deviation in the direction of increase or decrease.
Erythrocytes
These are small elastic cells containing hemoglobin in their cytoplasm. Due to their elasticity, they easily pass through vessels of any caliber. They are produced in the bone marrow, the viability of one cell is about 3-4 months.
Erythrocytes perform the following function: they carry oxygen from the lungs to all human tissues and organs, and on the way back from the tissues to the lungs they bring carbon dioxide. All this happens by attaching gases to the hemoglobin of the erythrocyte.
The norm of erythrocytes when deciphering analyzes is on average from 3.8 to 5.0 10 12 /l
- an increase in erythrocytes in the general blood test is possible with dehydration of the body due to vomiting and diarrhea, diseases of the blood system (erythremia, Wakez disease) , cardiac and respiratory failure.
- their decrease can be with blood loss, leukemia and lymphomas, congenital defects in hematopoiesis, hemolytic anemia, oncology, insufficient intake of protein, iron and vitamins.
It should be remembered that the rate of erythrocytes, as well as other indicators, may differ in different laboratories. In which, moreover, errors are not excluded. Therefore, a borderline result does not always indicate a serious illness.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells. It is due to it that the function of gas exchange between the lung tissue and all cells of the body is performed. A deviation in the level of hemoglobin from the norm can cause a person to feel unwell, his weakness, fatigue. This is due to a lack of oxygen in the organs, including the brain.
The normal content of hemoglobin in the general blood test is on average 120-160 g/l, depending on the gender and age of the subject.
- An increase in hemoglobin may occur due to dehydration due to diabetes mellitus, vomiting and diarrhea, due to heart failure, diuretic overdose, pulmonary insufficiency, heart defects, diseases of the blood and urinary system.
- A decrease in hemoglobin in the general blood test is possible with anemia of various origins and other blood diseases, blood loss, insufficient intake of protein, vitamins, iron
Leukocytes
These are white blood cells synthesized in the bone marrow. They perform the most important protection function in the body, aimed at foreign objects, infections, foreign protein molecules. They are also able to dissolve damaged body tissue, which is one of the stages of inflammation. The viability of these cells varies from a few hours to several years.
The norm of leukocytes in the general blood test corresponds to 4.0-9.0 10 9 /l.
- An increase in leukocytes in the KLA is possible due to physiological errors (pregnancy, blood donation after meals, heavy physical exertion, after vaccinations), inflammatory processes of a systemic or local nature, extensive injuries and burns, active autoimmune diseases, in the postoperative period, with oncology, leukemia and leukemia.
- If leukocytes are reduced when deciphering a blood test, the presence of viral infections, systemic autoimmune diseases, leukemia, radiation sickness, hypovitaminosis is acceptable. The use of cytostatics and steroids may also affect.
Color index
The color index (CPI) is determined by calculation using a special formula. It shows the average concentration of hemoglobin protein (Hb) in one erythrocyte.
Normal CPU is 0.8-1.0, without units.
- Its increase may indicate the presence of hyperchromic anemia (vitamin D deficiency).
- Reduction is possible with iron deficiency anemia, posthemorrhagic anemia, leukemia and lymphoma, chronic diseases of the organs.
Hematocrit
This indicator reflects the ratio of blood cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets) to the total blood volume. The analysis is carried out by centrifugation or using analyzers.
Normal hematocrit averages 35-50%.
- An increase may indicate erythremia, respiratory failure, heart failure, dehydration due to diabetes and diabetes insipidus, diarrhea and vomiting.
- Decreased hematocrit may be due to anemia, erythrocytopenia, renal failure, pregnancy (third trimester).
Reticulocytes
These are the precursors of erythrocytes, their intermediate form. They perform the function of gas exchange, as well as red blood cells, but with less efficiency. In a healthy person, reticulocytes, when deciphered, make up 0.2-1.2% of the total number of erythrocytes.
- May be increased with post-hemorrhagic restoration of hematopoiesis, when moving to a mountainous area or in the treatment of anemia.
- Decreased reticulocytes in the general blood test with reticulocytopenia (slow hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, leading to anemia).
Platelets
These are small, flat, colorless blood cells. They perform several important functions – they participate in blood coagulation, form a platelet thrombus, regulate the tone of the vascular wall, and nourish the capillaries.
In the general blood test, the platelet rate is 180-320 10 9 /l.
- An increase in platelets when deciphering the analysis is possible with splenectomy (removal of the spleen), exacerbation of chronic autoimmune diseases, anemia of various origins, inflammatory processes, in the postoperative period, the third trimester of pregnancy, with oncology, erythremia.
- Reduced platelets in the KLA with hemophilia, drug thrombocytopenia, systemic lupus erythematosus, viral and bacterial infections, aplastic anemia, Evans syndrome, autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, renal vein thrombosis.
ESR
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indicator calculated during the laboratory test. Under the influence of anticoagulants, the erythrocyte sedimentation time is calculated, which depends on the protein composition of the plasma.
This is a highly sensitive indicator, it normally averages from 1 to 15 mm per hour.
- Increases in physiological conditions (pregnancy, menstruation), infectious diseases, malignant neoplasms, systemic autoimmune diseases, kidney diseases, in the postoperative period, injuries and burns.
- Decreases with astheno-neurotic syndrome, recovery from infection, cachexia, long-term use of glucocorticoids, blood clotting disorders, high blood glucose concentrations, with craniocerebral injuries, taking NSAIDs, immunosuppressants, antibiotics.
Neutrophils
This is the largest subspecies of leukocytes, which, depending on the maturity of the cells, is divided into the following groups – young neutrophils, stab and segmented.
They perform an antimicrobial function, are capable of phagocytosis, and participate in the inflammatory response.
The norm of neutrophils in the blood test is stab 1-6%, segmented 47-67%.
- An increase in neutrophils when deciphering a blood test is possible under physiological conditions (sun and temperature exposure, stress, pain syndrome, etc.), with past infections, diseases of the bone marrow, oncology, taking certain medications, ketoacidosis, poisoning with poisons and alcohol , with parasitosis, allergies, hyperglycemia.
- Decreased in post-chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, aplastic anemia, chronic infectious disease, radiation exposure, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies.
Lymphocytes
This is also a subspecies of leukocytes, represented as T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, K- and NK-lymphocytes.
All of them participate in acquired immunity, synthesize antibodies, destroy not only foreign, but also their own pathological cells (oncological).
The norm of lymphocytes when deciphered in the KLA is 18-40%
- An increase in the general blood test can be with viral infections (mononucleosis, viral hepatitis and others), toxoplasmosis, blood diseases (chronic and acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma, leukemia), with arsenic, lead poisoning, taking levodopa, narcotic painkillers.
- Lymphocytes decrease in tuberculosis, HIV, blood diseases (lymphogranulomatosis, aplastic anemia), terminal renal failure, oncological diseases in the terminal stage and during treatment with radio and chemotherapy, taking glucocorticoids.
Monocytes
This type of the largest leukocytes, also synthesized in the bone marrow. They are able to phagocytize (absorb) viruses, bacteria, tumor and parasitic cells. Regulate hematopoietic function, participate in blood coagulation.
The norm of a blood test for the content of monocytes is 3-11%.
- an increase in monocytes during decoding indicates viral, bacterial (tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis), fungal and parasitic infections, inflammation in the regeneration stage, systemic autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis), leukemia.
- a decrease in monocytes in a blood test is possible with purulent-inflammatory processes, aplastic anemia, in the postoperative or postpartum period, when taking steroids.
Preparing for blood donation
Do not eat, drink tea or coffee, or smoke before taking a complete blood count. On the eve it is necessary to exclude the intake of alcohol, fatty foods. Blood donation is most often done in the morning, blood can be taken from a capillary or from a vein.
Complete blood count can reflect the disease in the very early stages, but the study is highly sensitive. Therefore, for an adequate diagnosis, it is worth following all the recommendations before donating blood.