Basic blood tests are complete blood count and ESR. They are the starting point for distinguishing a he althy person from a sick person. The name morphology is like a crossword puzzle password, it answers the question: what does blood consist of.

As a result ofblood testsyou get a computer printout containing test symbols, next to their result and often index norms, usually in the range "from - to". If the result is within these limits, then you're fine. If it is slightly below or above the normal range, it is a signal, but not yet an alarm. The average of the analysis results in 95 percent was adopted as the norm. he althy people. A completely he althy person may have abnormal results because that is their individual "beauty". To be sure, it is worth repeating the test, because sometimes some abnormalities may occur during its performance (you have not been fasting or have stored blood samples for too long). The standards given by individual laboratories may differ slightly. This is the result of different methods of determining blood components. In modern laboratories, for example, counting blood cells is automated, in others it is done traditionally under a microscope. You should not judge for yourself whether you are he althy or sick. Only a doctor who considers various values ​​together and can draw appropriate conclusions can correctly interpret a blood test. It also takes into account the influence of such factors as age, gender, diet, medications taken, exercise, stress.

What do the symbols on the computer printout mean?

Blood tests: complete blood count, which is what blood consists of

  • WBC -leukocytes(white blood cells, white cells). They perform the function of the police, fight bacteria, parasites and fungi. They are divided into granulocytes, which are the most numerous (GRANU),lymphocytes(LYMPH) and monocytes (MONO). Each type has a different task in the human defense system. If values ​​are given in the test, it is a morphology with a smear, that is, the percentage of white blood cells. Standard: 4000-9000 in cubic millimeter. Elevated values ​​(leukocytosis) are not always a sign of disease. They happen in pregnant and puerperal women, in newborns, after considerable physical exertion, severe stress, freezing or strong sunlight. They most often indicate inflammation,bacterial infections, mycoses, poisoning, parasite diseases, heart attacks and severe injuries. They can be a consequence of serious diseases of the blood system, e.g. in leukemia. Low values ​​(leukopenia) occur in very severe infections (e.g. typhoid fever), in some viral infections (measles, rubella), after x-rays and cancer chemotherapy, or as side effects of drugs (certain antibiotics, anti-rheumatic agents, sulfonamides, pyramidone).
  • RBC - red blood cells (red cells, red cells). They are oxygen carriers thanks to hemoglobin. Norm: women 4-5.5 million in cubic millimeter, men 4.5-6 million.
  • HGB - hemoglobin. It binds oxygen and gives the blood a red color. Norm: 12-17 g / dl.
  • HCT - hematocrit. It is the percentage by weight of red blood cells in whole blood. It may indicate its excessive thickening or thinning. Norm: 35-52%. Increased values ​​of these three components indicate heart disease (including birth defects), chronic lung disease, kidney disease, and some cancers. Reduced values ​​ indicate anemia, which can be caused by various abnormalities in the body. Additional research needs to be done.
  • MCV, MCH, MCHC - red blood cell indicators. The amount specified will help determine the cause of your anemia (e.g. indicates anemia or internal bleeding).
  • MCV - average red blood cell volume. Norm: 82-94 fl (femtolitre, fraction of a liter).
  • MCH - Average hemoglobin content in the red blood cell. Norm: 28-36 pg (picogram, fraction of a gram).
  • MCHC - Mean hemoglobin concentration. Norm: 32-36 g / dl.
  • PLT - platelets (thrombocytes, platelets). They play an important role in blood clotting. Standard: 140,000-400,000 blood cells per cubic millimeter. Increased values ​​occur in malignant diseases of the bone marrow, extensive infections, after removal of the spleen, and sometimes after childbirth. Too many platelets can lead to blood clots (after hemorrhages, strokes and surgery). Low values ​​can occur after radio- and chemotherapy, in infections (measles, dura, mononucleosis), in diseases of the spleen, and also due to vitamin B12 deficiency. and folic acid. Too few platelets lead to bleeding.

Blood tests: ESR - on the trail of inflammation

  • OB, which is precipitation (red blood cell dip, Biernacki's reaction). The doctor cannot make a specific diagnosis based on ESR. It is only a signal that inyour body is undergoing an inflammatory process that must be located. The blood sample is placed in a graduated tube in an upright position. After an hour, the height of the sedimentation of blood cells at the bottom of the tube is read. Norm (after 1 hour): women 6-11 mm, after 50 up to 30 mm; males 3-8 mm, after 50 - up to 20 mm. Increased values ​​are encountered during pregnancy and after childbirth (then they do not indicate a disease). They are also present in rheumatic diseases, inflammatory processes, tuberculosis, some liver diseases, and even in heart attacks. Very elevated ESR occurs in leukemias and other forms of cancer, and certain kidney diseases (nephrotic syndrome). Reduced values ​​are rare, they indicate hyperemia, e.g. in polycythemia vera.
  • CRP, i.e. C-reactive protein, the so-called acute phase protein. It is being investigated more and more often because it is formed in the liver before the increase in ESR occurs. It tells about the existence and extent of inflammation and tissue necrosis. In severe infections, CRP levels may increase up to a thousand times a day. With proper treatment, it descends relatively quickly. It can be an indicator of the effectiveness of treatment. A correct CRP value excludes an acute, generalized bacterial infection. During periods of remission (withdrawal) of chronic disease, the concentration of CRP does not increase. Normal: up to 10 mg / l. Increased values: 10-100 mg / l occur in light bacterial infections (e.g. bronchitis, bladder inflammation), severe viral infections, rheumatic diseases and tuberculosis, after operations, injuries, and heart attacks. CRP concentration above 100 mg / l occurs in severe bacterial infections, after severe operations, in deep leg vein thrombosis, in the acute phase of rheumatic diseases.

See how to prepare for blood collection

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