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Blood morphology is one of the most basic and most frequently ordered by doctors. We should perform a blood count as a preventive measure once a year, even if we do not have any disturbing symptoms. Thanks to the morphology, it is possible to detect various types of deficiencies, inflammation and even some cancers. What else does the blood count test? What diseases can it detect?

Blood countis an assessment of the number and appearance of blood cells and is usually performed with special hematology analyzers. However, when the analyzer is unable to read the value correctly, a so-called manual smear, which consists in observing blood cells under a microscope and a detailed assessment of their structure.

Blood morphology - what does he test?

Blood morphology examines three cell systems found in our blood:

  • red cell system , the examination of which includes the assessment of the number and volume of erythrocytes, their hemoglobin content (MCV, MCH and MCHC), and the differentiation of the size and shape of erythrocytes (RDW)
  • white blood cell system , the examination of which includes the assessment of the number of lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils
  • platelet system , the examination of which includes the assessment of the number and volume of platelets (MPV) and the differentiation of the size and shape of platelets (PDW)

Evaluation of the above parameters allows us to have a general look at the state of the body, because usually when something happens, our immune system is activated, which is made up of various blood cells.

The advantage of blood count is that it is inexpensive, but at the same time it allows general assessment of the patient's he alth and early detection of various pathologies.

Blood morphology - inflammation

One of the most common causes of changes in blood counts is inflammation. Inflammation is a consequence of the activation of the immune system under the influence of many factors, e.g.

  • bacterial or viral infection,
  • tissue damage,
  • cancer,
  • autoimmune diseases,
  • obesity.

In the blood count image, inflammation may manifestis caused by an increase in the number of particular types of cells, e.g. neutrophils, monocytes. However, to identify the exact cause of the inflammation, we need to do additional research.

Blood morphology - vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Anemia, or anemia, is one of the diseases that is diagnosed on the basis of a blood count. In morphology, anemia is manifested by a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and a decrease in hemoglobin concentration.

In addition, parameters such as:

  • MCV,
  • MCH,
  • MCHC
  • and the RDW differentiate the causes of anemia.

The most common causes of anemia may be iron deficiency (sideropenic anemia) or vitamin B12 and folate deficiency (megaloblastic anemia).

In the case of megaloblastic anemia, an increase in parameters such as MCV is observed. Additionally, the blood count shows a decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia) and an increase in MPV.

In the case of sideropenic anemia, a decrease in MCV, MCH and MCHC values ​​and a percentage increase in RDW values ​​can be observed.

Blood morphology - hyperemia

Anemia, or polycythemia, is the opposite of anemia that occurs as a result of the excessive production of red blood cells.

The reason may be:

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
  • kidney disease
  • or pre-cancerous conditions caused by genetic mutations.

Remember, however, that hyperemia does not always indicate a disease. This can sometimes be a consequence of:

  • regular physical activity,
  • being at high altitude,
  • dehydration
  • or smoking a cigarette.

Blood morphology - leukemias and lymphomas

A few- or even a dozen or so-fold increase in the number of certain blood cells, especially when their increase is accompanied by a decrease in erythrocytes or platelets, may indicate cancer of the blood (leukemia) or the lymphatic system (lymphomas).

In such a situation, we should never delay and consult a hematologist immediately.

Blood morphology - viral and bacterial infections

During infections, depending on whether they are caused by bacteria or viruses, there may be a decrease or increase in individual blood cell fractions.

Neutropenia

Neutrophils are the most numerous cells in our blood and they usually react to infections by changing their numbers. A fall in the number of neutrophils (neutropenia) may occur with viral infectionse.g. influenza or certain bacterial infections e.g. tuberculosis. The second most abundant group of cells in the blood are lymphocytes.

Lymphocytosis

An increase in lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) is characteristic of viral infections, in contrast to an increase in neutrophils (neutrophilia), the increase of which is primarily associated with bacterial infections.

However, a slight increase in lymphocytes and neutrophils may also occur during menstruation, in people abusing alcohol, smokers and under stress.

Blood morphology - allergies and parasitic infections

Blood morphology is a test that can also show whether we are allergic and whether we are infected with parasites. Blood cells called eosinophils are a useful indicator here.

They are not abundant in our blood, but their slight increase in the blood (eosinophilia) may indicate allergy or atopic skin diseases, e.g. atopic dermatitis.

An allergy or skin disease may be indicated by symptoms such as:

  • chronic runny nose,
  • sneezing,
  • watery eyes,
  • itching or peeling of the skin,
  • rash.

In addition, an increase in eosinophils in blood counts may condemn to parasitic diseases. If you have an allergy, another type of blood cell may grow - basophils.

Blood morphology - thrombocythemia

Diseases related to blood clotting are another group of pathology that can be identified by the result of a blood count. Here, parameters involving the PCB layout will be helpful.

Increasing the number of platelets (thrombocythemia) may indicate:

  • autoimmune diseases,
  • infections,
  • iron deficiency,
  • stomach ulcers,
  • inflammatory bowel diseases.

The consequence of thrombocythemia is the formation of blood clots.

In addition, the platelet count may increase naturally after minor bleeding, such as after menstruation, cuts or strenuous exercise.

Blood count - thrombocytopenia

A drop in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia) is found when the number of platelets in your blood falls below the normal range. The causes of thrombocytopenia can be:

  • cytostatic drugs,
  • bacterial and viral infections,
  • alcoholism,
  • autoimmune diseases,
  • leukemias.

In addition, thrombocytopenia is also seen in:

  • pregnant women,
  • regular blood donors,
  • people taking steroids and contraceptives.

The consequence of a low platelet count is excessive bleeding and a tendency to bruise and ecchymosis.

  • Blood count: how to read the result
  • Blood test - how to prepare for it

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