Importance of Red Blood Cells

What Are Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are one of the components of blood. (The others are plasma, platelets and white blood cells.) They are continuously produced in our bone marrow. Just two or three drops of blood can contain about one billion red blood cells – in fact, that’s what gives our blood that distinctive red color.

What Is the Function of Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. Then they make the return trip, taking carbon dioxide back to our lungs to be exhaled.

Schedule an appointment

What Does a Low Red Blood Cell Count Mean?

A low red blood cell count, known as anemia, can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and other symptoms. If untreated, anemia can lead to serious complications. In many cases, anemia occurs when we don’t eat a nutrient rich diet; choosing foods that are rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals can help raise the red blood cell count. Learn about heme iron and which foods are considered rich in iron. 

Anemia can also be caused by pregnancy and certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders and kidney disease. Talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

How Are Red Blood Cells Used in Medicine?

Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component. Patients who benefit most from receiving red blood cells include those with chronic anemia resulting from kidney failure or gastrointestinal bleeding, and those with acute blood loss resulting from trauma. They can also be used to treat blood disorders such as sickle cell disease.

How Are Red Blood Cells Collected?

Red blood cells are prepared from whole blood by removing the plasma (the liquid portion of the blood). Sometimes this is done after a person donates a pint of whole blood, resulting in multiple components (red cells, plasma and platelets) that can be given to different patients. Learn more about the different components that can be obtained from a whole blood donation.  

Other times, it is done during the donation itself, using a process called apheresis. In this case, only the red cells are retained and the patient’s plasma and platelets are returned to them. Some donors say that this leaves them feeling more hydrated than giving a whole blood donation.

Red cells have a shelf life of up to 42 days, depending on the type of anticoagulant used when they are stored. They can also be treated and frozen for 10 years or more.

Why Donations Are So Important

Recent studies show that there is a need for blood transfusions every 2 seconds, all of which must be collected from volunteer donors. One powerful way to help is to donate what the Red Cross calls “Power Red.” By donating Power Red, you double your impact by contributing two units of red blood cells in just one donation.

Learn More About Blood Components

Platelets

Plasma

Red Blood Cells

Cryoprecipitate

Whole Blood

Hematocrit

White Blood Cells

Donate Power Red and help trauma patients, surgery patients, people with sickle cell anemia, and others.  

What it is, levels, high and low range

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood. A typical hematocrit range in healthy adults is 37–52%. This varies depending on a person’s sex and age.

Authors of a 2017 study identified the above typical range.

Low red blood cell levels indicate conditions such as anemia. High red blood cell levels could signal polycythemia, increasing a person’s chance of developing a blood clot.

If a person feels tired, dizzy, or short of breath, a doctor may want to test their hematocrit levels to see if those levels fall into a normal range or not.

Read on to learn more about what this measure of red blood cell volume means, symptoms of abnormal levels, and what low and high levels might indicate.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the body. For example: if a person has 50 milliliters (ml) of red blood cells in 100 ml of blood, their hematocrit level is 50%.

Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body and give blood its characteristic red color. In addition to oxygen, they also contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. This allows red blood cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout the body.

An adequate amount of red blood cells is essential to keep the body’s processes running smoothly.

Many conditions can affect red blood cell production or its life cycle. This can make it difficult for a medical professional to diagnose these conditions. A doctor will use a hematocrit test to confirm whether a person’s red blood cell count is affecting a health condition.

Doctors usually test hematocrit levels as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

A CBC is composed of a range of tests and may include:

• red blood cell count
• reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• an analysis of hemoglobin levels
• an analysis of red blood cells, including size and shape
• white blood cell tests
• platelet tests

A doctor will also consider a person’s sex, race, and age. It is important to note that certain blood-related conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia in African Americans here.

A doctor may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effect of chemotherapy on a person’s bone marrow.

Both high and low hematocrit levels can be detrimental to a person’s health and result from various conditions and lifestyle factors.

What are normal hematocrit levels?

Different institutions will define normal hematocrit levels differently. However, a 2017 cross-population study found the following ranges to be typical.

• Male: 42-52%
• Female: 37-47%
• Children: 30–44%, depending on their age and sex

Newborn babies have high hematocrit levels that gradually decrease as they get older.

If a person has recently received a blood transfusion, it may affect their results. Additionally, pregnant individuals may have lower levels than usual because the body increases its blood volume during pregnancy.

Other factors, such as smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may push levels into a higher range.

Low levels

A hematocrit level below 35% in women and 41% in men is low. A level under this value can signify chronic anemia.

High levels

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects. It may indicate serious underlying health conditions.

Accuracy of results

Results from hematocrit tests are typically accurate and provide a clear reading of a person’s red blood cell levels.

However, the percentage of red blood cells in someone’s blood can change depending on various lifestyle factors and even environmental changes. According to research, red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes.

Exercise, particularly strength training, may also affect hematocrit levels. A 2018 study found that females who participated in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower levels at the end than when they started. However, the study had a small sample size of 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women. This means that these findings aren’t necessarily representative of a wider population.

Dehydration can also raise hematocrit levels, so this test is useful if a doctor suspects severe dehydration is the cause of a person’s symptoms.

When a person has low hematocrit levels, they tend to present with the following symptoms:

• pale complexion
• weakness
• fatigue
• low energy
• trouble breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• cold hands or feet

These symptoms also indicate anemia, a condition where hemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

Mild anemia is treatable, and it is particularly common in women. Severe anemia could signal a more serious underlying health condition that requires more extensive treatment.

Doctors associate anemia with several health conditions, including:

Nutrient deficiency

A person may lack B12, folate, or iron in their diet.

Learn more about how nutrient deficiency anemia is diagnosed and treated.

Chronic bleeding

This commonly occurs due to digestive tract ulcers, which are sores caused by the bacteria H.pylori or chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin. Many women also experience excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bone marrow disorder

This includes aplastic anemia, which damages stem cells in bone marrow.

Cancer

These cancers spread to bone marrow, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Learn more about bone marrow cancers here.

Kidney failure

Kidney disease can lower the production of red blood cells, reducing hematocrit levels.

Thalassemia

When a person has this condition, their body does not produce enough hemoglobin.

Learn more about thalassemia here.

Sickle cell anemia

This condition changes the shape of red blood cells. These cells die earlier than normal, and they also clump together, which impairs blood flow.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia here.

Autoimmune disease

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may reduce red blood cell count.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases here.

When a person has high hematocrit levels, they tend to present with these symptoms:

• flushed skin
• dizziness
• vision problems
• headaches
• enlarged spleen

These symptoms signal polycythemia, a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells. This means blood is thicker and clots more easily.

Doctors cannot cure polycythemia, so treatment focuses on symptom management. The main goal is to avoid stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot usually occurring in a deep vein in the leg.

In some cases, dehydration causes polycythemia. When a person does not drink enough, their plasma levels drop, increasing the proportion of red blood cells in their blood volume. A person can lower their red blood cell count by rehydrating.

Some conditions that can cause high hematocrit levels include:

Lung or pulmonary disease

When the lungs cannot absorb oxygen effectively, and oxygen levels drop, the body compensates by making more red blood cells. One common pulmonary disease causing this is COPD.

Learn more about COPD here.

Heart disease

If the structure of a person’s heart reduces its ability to pump blood around the body, it can no longer sustain vital organs with oxygen. To try and overcome the oxygen deficit, the body produces more red blood cells.

Learn more about heart disease here.

Kidney cancer

Sometimes kidney cancer cells create more erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that tells the bone marrow to create more red blood cells.

Learn more about kidney cancer here.

Genetic disease

The JAK2 gene, which controls the number of blood cells made in the bone marrow, can affect certain conditions. When someone has a mutated JAK2 gene, the body could make a protein that signals the bone marrow to create more red blood cells than it needs.

Learn more about genetic disorders here.

A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that could be a sign of high or low hematocrit levels, including fatigue, weakness, vision problems, and dizziness.

These symptoms can also indicate an underlying condition, so a person must contact a doctor promptly to prevent future complications.

If a person is receiving chemotherapy treatment, a doctor should perform regular hematocrit tests to monitor bone marrow health.

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood cells in a person’s blood volume. A doctor may test an individual’s hematocrit level due to certain symptoms.

A low hematocrit level means there are too few red blood cells in the body. In these cases, a person may experience symptoms that signal anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and low energy.

If a person has too many red blood cells, they have a high hematocrit level. A person may experience dizziness and headaches, which can be a sign of the condition polycythemia.

Demographic and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s hematocrit levels. For example, males tend to have higher levels than females. Pregnant individuals can experience a decrease in hematocrit levels, and strength training may also reduce levels.

There are also several health conditions that can cause hematocrit levels outside the normal range. Excessive bleeding, thalassemia, and kidney disease are causes of low levels. COPD and sickle cell anemia can cause high levels.

Read this article in Spanish.

“Hematocrit below normal – what does it mean in an adult?” — Yandex Q

In this article we consider what to do if the hematocrit is below normal, what does this mean in an adult?

Determination of the hematocrit value is included in the extended complete blood count. The criterion allows you to evaluate the work of the hematopoietic system. The functioning of other organs directly depends on its full functional activity, since it is erythrocytes that deliver oxygen to organs and tissues.

A decrease in hematocrit may occur without the manifestation of pronounced clinical symptoms. A person can attribute increased fatigue to high workload and lack of time for rest. However, a decrease in hematocrit is one of the first symptoms of anemia that requires treatment. The article also addresses the issue of the danger of a long-term decrease in hematocrit.

Contents

• 1 What does hematocrit show?

• 2 Hematocrit is below normal – what does it mean?

• 3 Causes of Decreased Hematocrit in Adults

• 4 Is low hematocrit dangerous?

• 5 Methods for increasing hematocrit

What does hematocrit show?

The value reflects the volume of the liquid part of the blood, which in the bloodstream contains formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets). The hematocrit value is measured as a percentage. So, if the analysis indicates that the hematocrit is 40%, this means that 40% of red blood cells, platelets, etc. are present in 100 ml of blood.

Low blood hematocrit is observed in patients with a low number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. The indicator also takes into account the size of blood cells. Their decrease is naturally reflected in the results of the analysis.

Measurement of hematocrit is useful in the diagnosis of anemia and hyperproteinemia, as well as in assessing the effectiveness of the selected treatment methods. The test is performed on patients with dehydration to assess the severity of their condition. Included in the list of obligatory determinable indicators for people who are scheduled for blood transfusion, and for pregnant women.

Main article: What is hematocrit, why is it needed and what are its norms?

Hematocrit is below normal – what does it mean?

A low hematocrit in an adult indicates a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. In this case, the doctor will prescribe additional laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic methods. Among the laboratory parameters, it is important to determine: the level of iron and ferritin, as well as to evaluate the biochemical parameters of the blood. Of the instrumental methods, it is preferable to conduct an ultrasound examination of the digestive organs, liver and small pelvis. Based on the results of a comprehensive examination and the collected history of the patient, the doctor determines the cause of the low hematocrit.

It should be borne in mind that if a woman gave biomaterial for analysis during menstruation, then the hematocrit is below normal – this is a standard phenomenon. During this period, a woman loses a certain amount of blood, which means that the level of red blood cells is somewhat reduced.

It is important to follow the rules of patient preparation, as well as the collection and transport of biomaterial. During venipuncture, destruction of red blood cells in vitro (hemolysis) can occur. For example, due to strong or prolonged squeezing of the site of taking the biomaterial with a tourniquet or at the wrong temperature for storing the collected blood. The obtained indications cannot be considered reliable, and the patient will definitely need to re-take the biomaterial.

Causes of Decreased Hematocrit in Adults

Only the attending physician after a complete diagnosis can determine the exact cause in each specific case. Consider the main causes of low hematocrit in adults.

Anemia (anemia) describes a group of similar syndromes, united on the basis of a total decrease in the level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells. It should be noted that the isolated term “anemia”, without clarifying explanations, does not describe a specific disease. In this case, it is only a separate symptom of a disease.

The decrease in the number of erythrocytes is mainly accompanied by changes in their qualitative composition. Which leads to a deterioration in respiratory activity and the gradual development of oxygen starvation of the tissues of all organs. The main symptoms of anemia are:

• pale skin;
• increased weakness and fatigue;
• desire to eat chalk, earth, raw meat;
• hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin;
• decreased memory and performance;
• bluish or yellowish sclera;
• earthy skin tone;
• persistent drowsiness;
• frequent headaches and dizziness;
• shortness of breath even with little physical activity;
• tachycardia.

The main causes of anemia

There are many known mechanisms for the development of anemia. Consider the main ones:

• Malfunctions in the process of synthesis of red blood cells and hemoglobin due to lack of iron and vitamins B 9 in the human bodyand 12, as well as for pathologies of the red bone marrow.
• Deficiency of red blood cells due to large blood loss, for example, in serious injuries or during surgery. A similar condition occurs in people with chronic bleeding (hemorrhoidal bleeding, intercycle blood loss in women, etc.). The main mechanism is a decrease in the concentration of iron, and not a decrease in the number of red blood cells.
• Mechanism of enhanced destruction of blood cells. The average lifespan of red blood cells is 4 months. With the manifestation of pathologies affecting the hematopoietic system, blood cells begin to degrade at an accelerated rate. The decay process is also influenced by external factors, for example, the use of vinegar in large quantities.

The prognosis of the outcome of iron deficiency anemia is extremely favorable. The condition is stopped by taking iron and vitamins. The outcome of other forms of anemia depends on their severity.

Fluid in the body

The hematocrit is also reduced with an increased fluid content in the body of an adult. This condition is not associated with excessive fluid intake, but with its retention in the body. Causes: kidney pathology, viral or bacterial infection. There is an increase in blood plasma volumes, while the number of red blood cells does not increase. This naturally leads to a decrease in the hematocrit value.

Hyperproteinemia and nutrition

Another reason is hyperproteinemia. Pathology is characterized by an excess content of proteins in the bloodstream. It occurs due to a violation of the normal functioning of the liver. Proteins begin to “attract” an excess amount of water, while the number of red blood cells does not increase. Thus, their percentage with blood plasma decreases.

In adult patients, the hematocrit is also reduced with a sharp change in diet, prolonged fasting and blood loss.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, a decrease in the value in question is considered normal. In women, the level of plasma volume increases, and red blood cells are not synthesized at an accelerated pace. Thus, the percentage of plasma-erythrocytes is shifted towards a decrease in the latter. The decrease in hematocrit value begins from the fourth week, reaching a peak by 31-35 weeks.

However, a long-term decrease in the index should not be ignored, it is necessary to conduct additional diagnostics in order to exclude the possible development of pathological conditions. Thus, a decrease in hematocrit up to 30% can cause the development of intrauterine fetal hypoxia, impaired fetoplacental circulation, fetal growth retardation, etc. An indicator of 15 to 25% indicates the need for immediate hospitalization of a pregnant woman, followed by continuous monitoring.

Other reasons

Also, low hematocrit in adults can be observed with:

• lead intoxication;
• splenomegaly;
• leukemias;
• conditions after chemotherapy;
• acute infectious processes;
• severe intoxications.

Is low hematocrit dangerous?

The main function of red blood cells is the sufficient supply of cells and tissues with molecular oxygen. With their decrease, there is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the organs. This has a particularly negative effect on the functional activity of the brain. A person has a decrease in concentration, memory and mental activity.

Adults with a low hematocrit are more susceptible to infectious diseases, are unable to function fully, get tired more quickly and lose concentration. In the future, a lack of red blood cells can lead to the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys.

Methods for increasing hematocrit

Do not try to increase the level of red blood cells on your own. The necessary treatment will be selected by a specialist based on the results of laboratory and instrumental studies. In case of prolonged starvation or dehydration, it is necessary to restore the normal diet and the amount of fluid consumed per day. In this case, the patient can do without drug therapy. It is also important to establish a daily routine and plan enough time for rest and walks in the fresh air.

If there is a shortage of iron or other elements, the doctor will select the necessary drugs, their dosage and determine the duration of their course. You should not interrupt the course of treatment yourself, even if the symptoms of anemia no longer bother you. Iron-rich foods should be included in the diet. For example, beef liver, seafood, lentils, red meat, nuts and pomegranate.

The use of alternative methods of treatment without prior agreement with the doctor is unacceptable. It should be emphasized that these methods cannot be a sufficient alternative to the methods of official medicine. They can only complement the treatment, provided that the selected components do not block the action of the medicinal components.

Material provided

medseen.ru

Complete blood count | decoding, indicators and norms of the UAC

Complete or clinical blood test is a detailed study prescribed by a doctor when a patient contacts and complains of feeling unwell.

Contains information about the nature of hematopoiesis, reflecting the general state of the body, the values ​​of quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition of the blood.

Biochemical results usually make it possible to determine the diagnosis immediately or after additional examinations: ultrasound, X-ray.

Blood transports various substances between tissues, organs and systems, ensuring the unity of the body. Thus, the processes occurring in different tissues and organs are reflected in the state of the blood.

Blood consists of a liquid part – plasma and formed elements – leukocytes, platelets, erythrocytes, each type of which has functions, for example, leukocytes are responsible for protecting immunity, platelets – for clotting, erythrocytes provide the body with oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Analysis can identify possible diseases, in which case the composition of the blood changes. Clinical analysis sometimes allows you to identify the disease at an early stage, when the symptoms of the disease do not even appear. Clinical analysis helps clients understand the course of the disease, determine the intensity of the pathological process, so it is used as a diagnosis of inflammation, allergies, and diseases. A repeated general analysis (CLA) is carried out as prescribed by a doctor in order to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and, if necessary, adjust it. Hematological diseases require a primary study of cells for preventive purposes.

Deciphering the abbreviation of the general blood test

Now the English abbreviation is used on the forms with the results of the KLA, which means:

• WBC – white blood cells – white blood cells – Leukocytes;
• RBC – red blood cells – red blood cells – Erythrocytes;
• HGB – hemoglobin – Hemoglobin;
• HTC – hematocrit – Hematocrit;
• MCV – mean corpuscular volume – The average volume of erythrocytes;
• MCH – mean concentration hemoglobin – The average content of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte;
• MCHC – mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration – The average concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte;
• RDW – red cell distribution – Red blood cell distribution index;
• PLT – platelets – platelets;
• MPV – mean platelets volume
• PTC – Thrombocrit – Thrombocrit.

Indicators of the general blood test

Complete blood count contains mandatory parameters. A pediatrician, therapist or other specialists may refer the patient to an extended clinical blood test, which additionally includes the necessary indicators.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a protein that is part of the erythrocyte. It delivers oxygen from the lungs, and carbon dioxide, on the contrary, to the lungs. It contains iron, which makes red blood cells red.

Level is a very important indicator of him. Due to a decrease in its amount, the body receives less oxygen, which is necessary for its life.

For men, it is considered normal – from 130-160 g/l, for women – 120-140 g/l. The saturation of this element in newborn children significantly exceeds the norm in adults. However, in the first weeks it gradually decreases.

When the hemoglobin value is below normal, then anemia is diagnosed, a low level can also indicate hyperhydration of the body due to increased fluid intake. Elevated hemoglobin can be observed with thickening of the blood due to a violation of the function of coagulation or the use of diuretic drugs. Dehydration of the body can be caused not only by pathology, but also by increased physical exertion or extreme heat. An elevated hemoglobin level is a typical sign of erythremia – impaired blood formation, an increased number of red blood cells. Hemoglobin can also increase due to diseases of the respiratory system against the background of a constant lack of oxygen.

red blood cells

Erythrocytes are red blood cells responsible for metabolic processes. The blood is red in color, due to the high content of red blood cells, compared to other formed elements. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, so they are involved in the process of oxygen metabolism in the body.

Norms for men – 4-5 * 1012 per liter of blood, for women – 3.9-4.7 * 1012, which depend on the laboratory.

With anemia, bleeding, pregnancy, hyperhydration, the content of erythrocytes in the blood decreases. Excess, as a rule, indicates erythremia, such tumor formations as a kidney cyst or dropsy of the renal pelvis, dehydration and fluid loss with sweat, vomiting, diarrhea, when the blood thickens.

The average volume of erythrocytes MCV – mean corpuscular volume – the norm for men is 80-95 and for women – 80-100.

The mean concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte MCH – mean concentration hemoglobin – this indicator increases with hypothyroidism, anemia of an autoimmune nature, B12-deficiency anemia, liver pathologies, alcohol dependence, and decreases due to iron deficiency anemia or decreased thyroid function.

The average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes MCHC – mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration – an increase in this indicator almost always indicates a hardware error, and its decrease indicates iron deficiency anemia.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit – the ratio of formed elements to the total volume of blood in percent.

An increase in hematocrit occurs as a result of:

• dehydration;
• peritonitis;
• extensive burns;
• polycythemia.

A decrease in hematocrit is observed against the background of:

• anemia and iron deficiency;
• heart disease;
• vascular and kidney pathologies;
• chronic hyperazotemia – increased nitrogen levels in the blood

color indicator

The color index of blood is calculated according to a formula that relates the level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells. Normally, the color index is close to one (0.85-1.05). Anemia leads to a deviation of the indicator. If the color index is below normal, then this indicates iron deficiency anemia, when hemoglobin is reduced more than the number of red blood cells. Anemia of another type is characterized by a color index above the norm, in this case, the number of red blood cells is reduced more than hemoglobin.

Reticulocytes

Reticulocytes are young, immature erythrocytes, which are always present in the blood, since the process of formation of erythrocytes in the blood is continuous. Norm: 0.2-1% or 2-10 reticulocytes out of 1000 erythrocytes. If reticulocytes are more than normal, then the body feels the need to increase red blood cells, for example, due to large blood loss. In the presence of anemia, radiation sickness, oncology (if metastases have affected the bone marrow), some kidney diseases are characterized by a reduced level of reticulocytes. Determining the RET indication is required for bone marrow transplantation, chemotherapy, as well as for assessing the processes of hematopoiesis, therapy with drugs containing iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, erythropoietin.

platelets

Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. They provide not only hemostasis, but also the body’s immunity during infection. Normal platelet content: 180-320*109 per liter. A decrease in this level may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body, an autoimmune disease, leukemia; AIDS, alcohol poisoning, drugs, chemicals, aplastic anemia, bone marrow diseases.

An increase in the level occurs after blood loss and previous operations, and is also observed in malignant neoplasms, spleen atrophy, colitis, tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, joint diseases, liver cirrhosis, myelofibrosis.

Leukocytes

Leukocytes are white blood cells that perform a protective function. The norm of their content is in the range of 4-9*109 per litre.

A high level of leukocytes is observed in infectious diseases caused by bacteria, inflammatory processes, allergic reactions. Their number increases as a result of recent stress, bleeding, as well as due to tumor processes and some other pathologies.

The depressed state of the immune system causes a decrease in leukocytes due to weight loss, severe toxicosis, sepsis, diseases of the hematopoietic organs, radiation sickness, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency, leukemia, viral infections such as influenza, measles, rubella, as well as due to the use of sulfonamides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Not only the total number of leukocytes is important, but also their five types – neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, which have different functions, so it is important to know their ratio in the blood, that is, the leukocyte formula.

Pathological leukocytosis is observed in:

• purulent inflammatory diseases;
• severe burns;
• the use of the hormone insulin;
• malignant tumors;
• epilepsy;
• severe poisoning;
• allergies.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are non-specific immune response cells that have bactericidal and detoxifying functions. In the inflammatory process, there is an increase in the number of mature neutrophils that are produced by the bone marrow. First, a myelocyte is formed, which then becomes a metamyelocyte, then the stage of a stab neutrophil begins. A mature neutrophil is segmented. In the normal state of the body, myelocytes and metamyelocytes in the blood should be absent. Segmented neutrophils should make up 47-72% of the total number of leukocytes, and stab – 1-6%. When immunity is weakened, the proportion of stab nuclei increases, in this case the body sends still immature neutrophils to fight the infection. An analysis with such a result is called a stab shift.

Stress, intoxication, inflammation, bacterial infection, cancer also increase the number of neutrophils in the blood.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils neutralize immune complexes caused by foreign allergens. The norm of eosinophils is 1-5% of the total. An increase in this indicator indicates an allergic reaction or a parasitic infection (primarily an infection with worms).

Basophils

The normal content in the blood is: 0-1% of the total.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are the main cells of the immune system that recognize and destroy the invading agent. This is how the body fights viruses. The normal level of lymphocytes is 19-37% of the total. This figure is higher in children than in adults. At the age of one month to two years, the main type of leukocytes is lymphocytes. By the age of five, the number of leukocytes is already comparable to the number of neutrophils. Children at the age of 15 still have more lymphocytes than adults.

With a viral infection, with toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, there is an increased content of lymphocytes in the blood. A reduced number of lymphocytes indicates HIV infection and a depressed state of the immune system.

Monocytes

Monocytes stay in the blood for about 30 hours. Then they move from the bloodstream to tissues, where they turn into macrophages in order to finally destroy bacteria and tissues that have died from inflammation. The norm of monocytes is 3-11% of the total. An increased number of monocytes is a specific sign of mononucleosis, and is also characteristic of tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, syphilis, rheumatoid arthritis, indolent and long-term diseases.

ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Compared to plasma, erythrocytes are a heavier fraction of the blood. Therefore, when the test tube is vertical, its contents are divided into two parts: in the lower part – thick and dark erythrocytes, and in the upper part – light plasma. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is measured in mm/hour. Norm: for men – 2-10 mm / hour, for women – 2-15 mm / hour. In children, pregnant women and the elderly, normal values ​​​​are different.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases with an increase in their mass, that is, strong gluing occurs between them. The most common cause of such bonding is an inflammatory process. As a rule, the stronger the inflammation, the higher the ESR.

With an increase in ESR, autoimmune diseases occur in the body, blood, liver and biliary tract, and there may also be the following diseases:

• heart attack;
• stroke;
• tuberculosis;
• malignant tumors;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• diabetes mellitus.

Preparing for a complete blood count

1. Two weeks before the test, it is important to stop taking medicines for laboratory testing. If the medications taken are vital, then the doctor adjusts the treatment, because some drugs can affect blood parameters.
2. The day before the study, alcohol, fatty, spicy and fried foods should be excluded, physical and emotional stress should be avoided, and KLA should not be taken after an x-ray examination, physiotherapy, sunbathing.
3. Dinner on the eve of the study no later than 22.00.
4. It is advisable to donate blood for general analysis in the morning on an empty stomach. Biological material for both capillary and venous blood can serve. Before this, you can not smoke, drink coffee, tea. Drinking water is allowed in a volume of not more than 0.5 liters. If the analysis is taken during the day, then after the last meal, approximately 5 hours should pass.
5. Women, undergoing a routine examination, it is advisable to wait with the delivery of the KLA until the end of menstruation.

The procedure for taking the KLA

1. Blood sampling for general analysis in both a child and an adult is almost the same.