Blood consists of a liquid part - plasma, as well as cells (shaped elements), the concentration of which can vary significantly in various pathological conditions. Deciphering the clinical blood test makes it possible to judge the possible presence or absence of inflammation, intoxication of the body, dehydration (dehydration), bleeding, oncological diseases, diseases of the hematopoietic system, etc.
What blood tests are taken?
Modern laboratory diagnostics is mainly based on blood tests. The indicators of this main binding substance of the body can tell a lot about the state of human health. The most informative - and therefore most often carried out - are biochemical and general blood tests.
What is a complete blood count?
A general blood test is one of the most important clinical studies, which is carried out for most diseases, as well as as part of a preventive examination (clinical examination). This test plays a leading role in the diagnosis of blood diseases.
Important:a general blood test from a finger is taken on an empty stomach in the morning. In order to avoid distorting the results, food cannot be eaten in 8 hours, and only water can be drunk.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages or tea before the blood test, andjuices.
Traditionally, blood sampling is carried out from the ring finger, puncturing the skin with a sterile scarifier to a depth of 2-3 mm. The first drop is usually removed with a cotton swab, then blood is drawn to determine the hemoglobin level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the next portion is to establish the number of white and red blood cells. Microscopic smears are made using glass slides.
Laboratory research involves:
- determination of the number of various shaped elements (cells);
- establishment of the basic parameters of blood cells (size, type, etc.);
- measurement of the level (concentration) of hemoglobin;
- determination of the leukocyte formula;
- determination of hematocrit.
Main indicators of the UAC
Hematocrit Is a percentage that determines the volumetric ratio of cell mass to plasma. Erythrocyte indices reflect the main characteristics of red blood cells.
Hemoglobin (HGB)- It is a "respiratory pigment" - a compound of iron and protein, which is responsible for transporting oxygen to organs and tissues.
note: a physiological decrease in the level of hemoglobin is possible in babies of the first year of life.
A low hemoglobin level indicates the development of anemia (anemia).
Important:anemia often develops against the background of blood loss, impaired formation of red cells or with their accelerated destruction. It can be a clinical manifestation of a number of pathologies, or it can be an independent disease.
Erythrocytes(RBC) Are highly differentiated cellular elements. They lack nuclei, and the intracellular space is filled with hemoglobin.
The color index of red blood cells reflects the level of respiratory pigment in these red blood cells.
Mean erythrocyte volume (MCV)- This is an indicator that is used in the diagnosis of various types of anemias. Also, in the differential diagnosis of types of anemia, an indicator reflecting the average content of hemoglobin in erythrocytes is certainly taken into account.
Distribution of red blood cells by size (RDW) allows you to establish the degree of anisocytosis, i.e. the presence of red cells of different volume.
Reticulocytes called young forms of red cells.
Platelets(PLT)- These are cells formed in the red bone marrow that are responsible for the process of blood clotting. Clotting factors and biologically active substances are present in the granules of these non-nuclear shaped elements, which are released when platelets are activated. These cells can attach to the walls of blood vessels and to each other, forming a clot that "clogs up" damage to the vascular walls. The duration of the existence of a platelet in the blood is no more than 1-1.5 weeks. An increase in bleeding develops if the concentration of these cells is less than 50x10 3. Such conditions can pose a serious threat to the patient's life.
note: in the blood test of a pregnant woman, the number of platelets is reduced, which is the norm. Physiological thrombocytopenia is also recorded in women with menstruation. The number of these cells increases with physical activity.
ESR Is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In women, this indicator is normally higher than in men, which is explained by regular physiological blood loss. An increase in ESR may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process, the presence of infectious agents in the body, or intoxication.
Leukocytes (WBC) Are white blood cells produced in the lymphatic system and bone marrow. They provide protection for the body by recognizing and neutralizing foreign agents, as well as their own cells that have undergone pathological changes. Leukocytosis (an increase in the number of leukocytes), as a rule, indicates the development of an inflammatory process. Leukocytes in particular include neutrophils (stab and segmented), basophils, eosinophils, monocytes (large white cells) and lymphocytes (elements responsible for acquired).
An increase in the number of eosinophils often speaks of helminthic invasions or the presence of diseases of an allergic genesis.
Blood test results are prepared in the laboratory within one day.
Normal indicators
Only a doctor can interpret the results, that is, make any conclusions based on the data obtained in the course of a laboratory blood test. However, some conclusions can be drawn by comparing your CBC with the reference (normal) values in the tables below.
Important:the blood test values of an adult differ from the results of this study in a child.
Table of norms for blood analysis in adults:
Table for decoding a blood test in children (norm):
| Age | Erythrocytes x10 12 |
Hemoglobin | Platelets x10 9 |
Leukocytes x10 9 |
Speed subsidence erythrocytes (ESR), mm / h |
| Newborn | 5,0-5,8-6,0 | 215-180 | 273-309 | 30-12 | 2,5-2,8 |
| 1-12 months | 4,6-4,7 | 178-119 | 280-290 | 10-10,5 | 4-7 |
| 2-3 years | 4,6-4,7 | 117-126 | 280-290 | 10,5-11 | 7-8 |
| 4-5 years old | 4,6-4,7 | 126-130 | 280-290 | 10-11 | 7-8 |
| 6-8 years old | 4,7-4,8 | 127-130 | 280-290 | 8,2-9,7 | 7-8 |
What do the deviations indicate?
Leukocytosis, which is an increase in the number of white blood cells, may be a cause for concern.
The reason for the increase in the number of leukocytes is such pathologies as:
- bacterial infections accompanied by purulent inflammation;
- any;
- blood diseases (leukemia).
If leukocytosis occurs, then this is the reason for a deep and comprehensive medical examination. If an infectious disease is suspected, an additional blood test for antibodies may be performed.
Important: it should be borne in mind that the number of leukocytes may temporarily increase in the postoperative period, after vaccination, as well as after eating or significant physical exertion.
Leukopenia (a decrease in the number of leukocytes) is often caused by a lack of vitamins, unfavorable environmental conditions, or viral infections. As a rule, it is not a cause for serious concern.
ESR depends on the positive charge of red blood cells, due to which they repel each other. In some pathologies, erythrocytes lose their charge, as a result of which they begin to settle faster.
You should undergo an examination if the indicator is 3-5 times higher than normal values.
The reason for the increase in ESR may be:
- kidney disease - inflammation of the renal pelvis () or glomeruli (glomerulonephritis);
- bacterial (pneumonia);
- foci of purulent inflammation (abscesses and phlegmon);
- (generalized process);
- inflammatory diseases of the pancreas, gallbladder and other organs of the digestive system;
- diseases of rheumatic (autoimmune) origin - rheumatoid arthritis and SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus);
- malignant neoplasms.
Important: to exclude cancer, a special clinical blood test for tumor markers is performed.
Women should not worry if the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases before the onset of menstruation - this is a physiological norm. The indicator is also increased during pregnancy (from 5 weeks) and returns to normal only by the fourth week after the baby is born.
Thrombocytopenia means a decrease in the number of platelets below 100 × 109 / L.
Possible causes of thrombocytopenia include:
- acute infectious diseases;
- aplastic form of anemia;
- malignant blood diseases (leukemia).
note: special caution should be exercised when detecting a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood test of pregnant women. One of the causes of the pathology is antiphospholipid syndrome, which often leads to miscarriage.
Thrombocytosis (an increase in the number of these cells) indicates the possible presence of the following pathologies:
- acute inflammation;
- exacerbation of a chronic inflammatory process;
- amyloidosis (violation of protein metabolism);
- malignant tumors.
note : there is no reason to worry if thrombocytosis is recorded in the postoperative period or after significant physical exertion.
A decrease in hemoglobin levels is highly likely to indicate iron deficiency anemia.
Low hemoglobin levels can be caused by:
- hypovitaminosis for vitamin B12, caused by a violation of its assimilation (typical for patients suffering from atrophic gastritis and for the elderly and senile);
- lack of animal products in the diet (vegetarian diet);
- period of pregnancy and lactation;
- regular blood loss (including physiological during menstruation).
General blood analysis Perhaps the most common analysis that doctors prescribe to correctly diagnose and conduct a study of the patient's health. But what comes in the answer does not tell the patient anything, in order to understand what all these numbers mean, we provide you decoding of blood test values.
The general blood test is subdivided into:
- Blood chemistry;
- Immunological blood test;
- Hormonal blood test;
- Serological blood tests.
Decoding a blood test:
|
Designations, reductions |
Normal values - complete blood count | ||||||||
| children aged | adults | ||||||||
| 1 day | 1 month | 6 months | 12 months | 1-6 years old | 7-12 years old | 13-15 years old | Man | woman | |
| Hemoglobin Hb, g / l |
180-240 | 115-175 | 110-140 | 110-135 | 110-140 | 110-145 | 115-150 | 130-160 | 120-140 |
| Erythrocytes RBC |
4,3-7,6 | 3,8-5,6 | 3,5-4,8 | 3,6-4,9 | 3,5-4,5 | 3,5-4,7 | 3,6-5,1 | 4-5,1 | 3,7-4,7 |
| Color index MCHC,% |
0,85-1,15 | 0,85-1,15 | 0,85-1,15 | 0,85-1,15 | 0,85-1,15 | 0,85-1,15 | 0,85-1,15 | 0,85-1,15 | 0,85-1,15 |
| Reticulocytes RTC |
3-51 | 3-15 | 3-15 | 3-15 | 3-12 | 3-12 | 2-11 | 0,2-1,2 | 0,2-1,2 |
| Platelets PLT |
180-490 | 180-400 | 180-400 | 180-400 | 160-390 | 160-380 | 160-360 | 180-320 | 180-320 |
| ESR ESR |
2-4 | 4-8 | 4-10 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 4-15 | 1-10 | 2-15 |
| Leukocytes WBC,% |
8,5-24,5 | 6,5-13,8 | 5,5-12,5 | 6-12 | 5-12 | 4,5-10 | 4,3-9,5 | 4-9 | 4-9 |
| Stab,% | 1-17 | 0,5-4 | 0,5-4 | 0,5-4 | 0,5-5 | 0,5-5 | 0,5-6 | 1-6 | 1-6 |
| Segmented,% | 45-80 | 15-45 | 15-45 | 15-45 | 25-60 | 35-65 | 40-65 | 47-72 | 47-72 |
| Eosinophils EOS,% |
0,5-6 | 0,5-7 | 0,5-7 | 0,5-7 | 0,5-7 | 0,5-7 | 0,5-6 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Basophils BAS,% |
0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Lymphocytes LYM,% |
12-36 | 40-76 | 42-74 | 38-72 | 26-60 | 24-54 | 25-50 | 18-40 | 18-40 |
| Monocytes MON,% |
2-12 | 2-12 | 2-12 | 2-12 | 2-10 | 2-10 | 2-10 | 2-9 | 2-9 |
Now in more detail about the main indicators of the general blood test.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the blood pigment of red blood cells. Its function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs, and carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
Increased hemoglobin:
- stay at high altitudes
- polycythemia (an increase in the number of red blood cells)
- dehydration and thickening of the blood
Decreased hemoglobin:
- anemia
Color index
The color indicator shows the relative content of hemoglobin in erythrocytes. This indicator is important in the diagnosis of anemia.
Color Index Boost:
- spherocytosis
Decrease in color index:
- Iron-deficiency anemia
Erythrocytes
Red blood cells are red blood cells that form in the red bone marrow. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin and carry oxygen.
Increase in red blood cells:
- dehydration
- polycythemia
Decrease in red blood cells:
- anemia
Leukocytes
White blood cells. Formed in the red bone marrow. The function of leukocytes is to protect the body from foreign substances and microbes. In other words, it is immunity.
There are different types of leukocytes, therefore, a change in the number of individual types, and not all leukocytes in general, is of diagnostic value.
Increase in leukocytes:
- infections, inflammation
- allergy
- leukemia
- condition after acute bleeding, hemolysis
Decrease in leukocytes:
- bone marrow pathology
- infections (flu, rubella, measles, etc.)
- genetic anomalies of immunity
- increased spleen function
Leukocyte formula
The percentage of different types of leukocytes. Neutrophils: cells responsible for inflammation, fighting infection (except viral), nonspecific defense (immunity), removing their own dead cells. Mature neutrophils have a segmented nucleus, while young neutrophils have a rod-shaped nucleus.
Increase in leukocyte count:
- intoxication
- infections
- inflammatory process
- malignant tumors
- psycho-emotional arousal
Decreased leukocyte count:
- aplastic anemia, bone marrow pathology
- genetic disorders of immunity
- some infections (viral, chronic)
Eosinophils
Decreased eosinophils:
- purulent infections
- surgery
Basophils
Leaving the tissues, basophils turn into mast cells, which are responsible for the release of histamine - a hypersensitivity reaction to food, drugs, etc.
Basophil enhancement:
- chicken pox
- hypersensitivity reactions
- chronic sinusitis
- hypothyroidism
Decreased basophils:
- pregnancy
- ovulation
- acute infections
- hyperthyroidism
- stress
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are the main cells of the human body's immune system. They fight viral infections, destroy foreign cells and altered own cells, release antibodies (immunoglobulins) into the blood - substances that block antigen molecules and remove them from the body.
Increased lymphocytes:
- lymphocytic leukemia
- viral infections
Decreased lymphocytes:
- loss of lymph
- aplastic anemia
- acute infections (non-viral) and diseases
- immunodeficiency states
- systemic lupus erythematosus
Monocytes
Monocytes are the largest white blood cells. Finally, they destroy foreign cells and proteins, foci of inflammation, destroyed tissues. Monocytes are the most important cells of the immune system, it is monocytes that are the first to meet the antigen, and present it to lymphocytes for the development of a full-fledged immune response.
Increase in monocytes:
- leukemia
- tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, syphilis
- infections (viral, fungal, protozoal)
- systemic connective tissue diseases (arthritis, periarteritis nodosa, systemic lupus erythematosus)
Decreased monocytes:
- hairy cell leukemia
- aplastic anemia
ESR
ESR is the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation during blood sedimentation. The ESR level depends directly on the number of erythrocytes, their "weight" and shape, as well as on the properties of blood plasma - the amount of proteins, as well as viscosity.
Increased ESR:
- inflammatory process
- infections
- anemia
- malignant tumors
- pregnancy
Reticulocytes
Reticulocytes are young forms of red blood cells. Normally, they should be in the bone marrow. Their excess blood output indicates an increased rate of erythrocyte formation.
Increase in reticulocytes:
- increased formation of erythrocytes with anemia (with blood loss, iron deficiency, hemolytic)
Decreased reticulocytes:
- kidney disease
- disorders of erythrocyte maturation (B12-folate-deficiency anemia)
- aplastic anemia
Platelets
Platelets are platelets made from giant cells in the bone marrow. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting.
Increased platelets:
- inflammatory process
- myeloid leukemia
- polycythemia
- condition after surgery
Decreased platelets:
- aplastic anemia
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- thrombocytopenic purpura
- hemolytic disease, isoimmunization by blood group, Rh factor
- hemolytic anemia
However, it is worth remembering that only a doctor can correctly diagnose and interpret the analyzes. All of the above is only for orientation, but not for self-diagnosis.
"How to decode a blood test?" - a question of this order can be vital for hundreds of people suffering from various diseases. Modern medicine has risen to an unprecedentedly high level, clinics are equipped with the latest equipment, patients are treated using high-tech methods, medicines are effective, and the statistics of medical institutions are improving every day. And nevertheless, all treatment processes begin with the most important thing - a laboratory blood test. The correct diagnosis depends on the results of a biochemical study. This means that the treatment will be prescribed in accordance with the real clinical picture of the disease.
The general condition of the human body, infections, pathologies of internal organs and many other diseases are identified and diagnosed based on the analysis of blood. The result of a blood test, decoding of laboratory data are sent to the doctor's office ready-made from a computer. Mistakes are rare, but still no one is completely immune from them. And if the patient knows what a blood test means, what laboratory processes it goes through, and most importantly, how it is deciphered, then there is nothing reprehensible in this. All data on clinical trials are available for review. This article provides information on basic laboratory methods and answers the question of how to decipher a blood test.
The most important factor in life
Blood is the most important factor in the life of human organs. Its qualitative composition affects the functioning of the brain, spinal and bone marrow, muscle structures, gastrointestinal tract, and lymph nodes. Separately, you can designate the heart muscle, liver and kidneys. The ability of the body to resist the appearance and development of pathologies directly depends on the biochemical composition of this liquid. That is why for the diagnosis of the disease and subsequent treatment at the first stage, a blood test is needed, the normal parameters of which will avoid the use of unnecessary techniques. And the data of an alarming nature will make it possible to take timely measures to prevent the disease.
Blood tests and diagnostics
So, the diagnosis of any disease begins with an analysis showing the general picture of the disease, followed by a more detailed study of the anamnesis. The qualitative composition of blood cells is determined by laboratory tests. Certain parameters may require retesting. The results of a blood test and their correct interpretation are a guarantee of error-free diagnosis.
Clinical and biochemical analysis
The blood test is carried out in two versions. According to the general scheme or according to the method using biochemical parameters. General analysis makes it possible to determine the main characteristics of the blood supply to organs:
- The level of hemoglobin as the main component of red blood cells that deliver oxygen to tissues and organs. The norm for men is 131-161 g / l, for women - 119-149 g / l. Decreased hemoglobin levels may be due to anemia.
- Red blood cells are red blood cells. Participate in the transport of oxygen and support the biological oxidation process. The norm of erythrocytes in the blood for men is 4.4-5.0 10 12 / l, for women 3.6-4.6 10 12 / l, for children 3.8-4.9 10 12 / l.
- Leukocytes are blood cells that appear during the generation process in the bone marrow. They are divided into five typical categories: lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils. Leukocytes cleanse the body of foreign cells and destroy antigens. The norm of leukocytes is 4-9 10 9 / l. An increase in their level is called leukocytosis, a decrease is called leukopenia.
- The leukocyte formula, or leukogram, is part of a blood test that allows you to determine the percentage of different types of leukocytes.
- CP is a color indicator that determines the degree of hemoglobin presence in erythrocytes:
Saturation rate - 0.86 - 1.04 units;
With hypochromic anemia - 0.8 units or less;
With hyperchromic anemia - 1.1 units or more;
When assessing CP, not only the number of erythrocytes is taken into account, but also their volume.
- ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an indicator of pathological signs in the body:
For men, the ESR rate is from 1 to 16 mm / hour;
For women, normal values are from 12 to 20 mm / hour;
For children - from 2 to 17 mm / hour.
ESR analysis is based on the change in the specific gravity of erythrocytes in relation to the specific gravity of plasma. In their normal state, erythrocytes slowly "sink" in the blood plasma. It is due to its specific gravity. During this period, erythrocytes have a negative charge, and they repel each other. The degree of their aggregation, the ability of mutual adhesion, is practically zero. However, any inflammatory process associated with the intervention into the blood of proteins in an acute form, the so-called markers, radically changes the picture. Erythrocytes lose their negative charge and begin to aggregate, that is, stick together. The nominal surface area of each decreases, while the subsidence rate, respectively, increases. Its laboratory measurement is correlated with the ESR table, and thus the degree of pathology is determined.
Decoding a clinical blood test
After receiving the results of laboratory research, the question arises of how to decipher a blood test. For this, hematological determinants are used, the range of which is 24 different parameters. Among them are the concentration of hemoglobin, the number of leukocytes, the volume of erythrocytes, the average level of the concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte, the average volume of platelets, the distribution of erythrocytes by size, and others.
Automatic decryption assumes precise determination of the following parameters:
- WBC - white blood cells, leukocyte count in absolute terms. The normal amount is 4.6 - 9.0 cells / l, which is required to recognize and destroy foreign agents, stimulate the body's immunity, and eliminate dead cells.
- RBC - red blood cells, the content of erythrocytes in absolute value at a rate of 4.4 - 5.8 cells / l in elements that include hemoglobin, which is a transporter of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- HGB - the level of hemoglobin in the blood at a rate of 133-174 g / l. The analysis is carried out using cyanide. Measurement - in moles or grams per liter.
- HCT - hematocrit, which determines the ratio of the volume of blood elements in the plasma: leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets.
- PLT - blood plates, platelet count in absolute value at a rate of 151-401 cells / l.
Erythrocyte indices
- MCHC - the concentration of hemoglobin in the average value of the erythrocyte mass at a rate of 305-382 g / l. Determines the saturation of erythrocytes with hemoglobin. MCHS decreases in diseases accompanied by impaired hemoglobin synthesis. It is considered one of the most stable hematological indicators, indexes the shortcomings and errors of devices.
- MCH - shows the concentration of hemoglobin in average values and in individual erythrocytes at a rate of 27 to 31 pg.
- MCV - determination of the average volume of erythrocytes in a cubic micrometer (μm) or in femtoliters (fl) at a rate of 80-95 fl. Previously, the names "macrocytosis", "normocytosis", "microcytosis" were indicated.
- HCT / RBC - shows the volume of red blood cells in average values.
- HGB / RBC - determines the level of hemoglobin in erythrocytes.
- RDW - relative distribution of erythrocytes in width, their anisocytosis. Index of erythrocyte heterogeneity, the calculated coefficient of the average volume of RBC.
- RDW-SD - the width of the total volume of erythrocytes according to standard values.
- RDW-CV - variant coefficients of the distribution width of erythrocytes.
- ESR is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Reliable indicator of nonspecific pathology.
Automated hematology analyzers also provide histograms for erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets.
Platelet indices
- PCT - thrombocyte, normal content 0.106 - 0.280, the volume occupied by platelets as a percentage.
- PDW is the relative distribution of these cells in width. Determines the degree of their heterogeneity.
- MPV - platelet volume in average values at a rate of 7 to 10 fl.
Platelets as a potential hazard
Platelets in a healthy person have a number of useful functions. One of them is protective. If a vessel is damaged, platelets instantly accumulate at the point of the cut and form a blood clot that stops the bleeding. However, more often these cells become participants in pathological processes in the body.
A decrease in the level of platelets in the blood, thrombocytopenia, is a sign of anemia, folic acid deficiency. Precedes the emergence of malignant cells, can become a harbinger of myelofibrosis, sarcoma, leukemia, viral infection, Fanconi syndrome and Wiskott-Aldrich.
Increased concentration accompanies diseases such as tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, erythremia, rheumatism, osteomyelitis. You need to know how to decipher a blood test so that it is platelets that are characterized in the first place.
Leukocyte indices
- LYM% - the content of lymphocytes in relative values. At a rate of 25-40%.
- LYM # - the number of lymphocytes in absolute terms. At a normal level of 1.1-3.2 μL.
- MXD% - content in relative values of mixed eosinophils, basophils and monocytes. At a rate of 5-10%.
- MXD # is the number in absolute terms of mixed eosinophils, monocytes and basophils. At a rate of 0.25-0.9 μl.
- NEUT% - relative concentration of neutrophils as a percentage.
- NEUT # - the content of neutrophils in absolute terms.
- MON% is the relative concentration of monocytes at a rate of 4-11%.
- MON # - the content of monocytes in absolute value at a rate of 0.15-0.65 10 9 cells / l.
- EO% - the relative concentration of eosinophils as a percentage.
- EO # - the content of eosinophils in absolute terms.
- IMM% - the relative concentration of immature granulocytes in percentage.
- IMM # is the absolute content of immature granulocytes.
- ATL% - the relative concentration of atypical lymphocytes in percentage.
- ATL # - the content of atypical lymphocytes in absolute terms.
- GR% - the number of granulocytes as a percentage at a rate of 47-72%.
- GR # - the content of granulocytes in absolute terms at a rate of 1.3-6.9 μl.
Deciphering a blood test in children
A general blood test for children differs from an "adult" study only in numbers. And the technique is the same. The answer to the question of how to decipher a blood test in children is contained in special tables. The following are the data norms for different age categories.
Norms for newborns:
- CPU - 0.86-1.16.
- Hemoglobin 182-242.
- Basophils 0-1.
- Erythrocytes 3.8-5.6.
- Lymphocytes 15-35.
- ESR - 2-4.
- Platelets 180-490.
Norms for children from 6 to 12 months:
- Hemoglobin 113-140.
- CPU - 0.85-1.15.
- Leukocytes 6-12.
- Basophils 0-1.
- Lymphocytes 45-70.
- ESR - 4-12.
- Platelets 160-390.
- Erythrocytes 3.7-5.3.
Deciphering a blood test in children from 1 to 12 years old. Norms:
- Hemoglobin 100-150.
- CPU - 0.75-1.2.
- Erythrocytes 3.7-5.2.
- Leukocytes 6-5.2.
- Lymphocytes 37-46.
- ESR - 4-12.
- Platelets 160-390.
- Basophils 0-1.
Children's clinical blood test, the decoding of which can be done using a standard table, will clarify the picture of the disease. The doctor can interpret the results of laboratory tests in a condensed or expanded version, depending on the severity of the disease. An appropriate blood test table will help you find the best solution. Before prescribing treatment, the doctor should, in severe cases, discuss the situation with colleagues.
Blood chemistry
For biochemical analysis, blood is taken from a vein, since it requires a significant amount of starting material. The number of tubes can be up to twelve pieces, but in most cases laboratory tests are carried out on six samples. The patient should not eat 12 hours before blood sampling, and he is also advised not to drink anything other than water.
A biochemical blood test is carried out according to the following parameters:
- Hemoglobin is an erythrocyte protein that transports oxygen. A decrease in its level in the blood can be the result of anemia.
- Haptoglobin is an active component, a plasma glycoprotein that binds hemoglobin. Deciphering a blood test in adults shows that the content of haptoglobin in it largely depends on the age of the patient. Normal values range from 350-1750 mg per liter.
- Glucose is the sugar content. Blood test values should not exceed 3.3-6.1 millimoles per liter. Data outside the normal range indicate the presence of diabetes mellitus, as well as the lack of body tolerance for glucose. In any case, an endocrinologist's consultation is necessary.
- Bilirubin is a red-yellow pigment, a breakdown product of hemoglobin. The norm is 20 μmol / l. It is an external sign of Botkin's disease if the level exceeds 27 μmol / L.
- ALAT - alanine aminotransferase, liver enzyme. Analysis data characterize its functioning. The male norm is 42 units / l, the female norm is 32 units / l.
- AsAT is a cellular enzyme aspartate aminotransferase, which is found in internal organs. The norm is 31-42 units / l. The increased content of the enzyme in the organs is a warning about the development of pancreatitis, hepatitis, and cancer.
- Lipase is a special enzyme that breaks down fats. The normal level is 190 units / liter. If the amount of lipase is greater, then this is a warning about possible gastric diseases.
- Urea - average values of the norm are 2.6-8.4 mmol per liter. If these numbers are exceeded, then there is renal failure. The urea content in the range of 16-20 millimoles per liter is considered as a functional disorder of moderate severity. From 35 to 50 mmol / l - this is already a severe kidney pathology. Values higher than 50 mmol / L are a very serious, life-threatening disease. Acute renal failure can be characterized by indices up to 83 mmol / L. A blood test, decoding of normal and not quite values can show small deviations in the direction of pathology. And this is a reason to repeat the study, since kidney disease is easier to prevent than to spend months and years on conservative treatment.
- Creatinine is analyzed in combination with urea. This test is also an indicator of renal performance. The normal creatinine content is 44-106 millimoles per liter.
- Cholesterol is a naturally occurring organic compound, a lipophilic fatty alcohol that is present in the cell membranes of most animal organisms. The normal cholesterol content is 3.5-7.9 mmol / l. If the blood count is higher, then there is a danger of atherosclerosis.
- Triglycerides are naturally occurring organic compounds, glycerol esters, monobasic fatty acids. Belong to the class of lipids. In the body, they are involved in energy and structural functions.
The results of a blood test on a biochemical basis are the most productive in terms of subsequent diagnosis and treatment.
A complete blood count (CBC) is the first study that begins the diagnosis of diseases or a preventive examination by a doctor as part of an annual medical examination. Without this simple but important test, it is impossible to objectively assess a person's health. The KLA is otherwise called a general clinical or simply a clinical blood test, but there is also a detailed version, which involves a detailed study of the leukocyte formula and is used when the patient has signs of the disease.
Within the framework of the KLA, all three blood cells are assessed: erythrocytes, which are responsible for the respiration of organs and tissues, leukocytes - immunity fighters, and platelets - protectors from bleeding. However, the laboratory determines not only the number of these cells. Each type of blood cell includes several additional indicators, by which the doctor can judge the most different aspects of the vital activity of a particular organism. Deciphering the results of a general blood test is the task of a competent doctor, therapist or pediatrician, because not only the numbers in the form are important, but also the combination of deviations from the norm with each other, as well as with the data obtained during the examination, survey and other diagnostic measures.
Blood for a general analysis in adult patients is taken either from a finger with the help, or from a vein, with a syringe. In infants, the KLA sometimes has to be taken from the earlobe or heel because the fingers are too small and the vein is difficult to get into. It is believed that venous blood is preferable for research - it contains more red blood cells and hemoglobin than capillary blood. In addition, it is possible to take a lot of material from a vein at once, so that, if additional analyzes are necessary, not to send a person to the laboratory again.
Currently, most hospitals and clinics are equipped with an automatic analyzer. For him, the blood taken from the patient is immediately placed in a special container with an anticoagulant - vacutainer. The analyzer greatly simplifies and speeds up the process of obtaining the results of a complete blood count, however, if significant deviations from the norm in the indicators are found, even the smartest third-generation machine can make a calculation error. Therefore, each sample taken is still subject to mandatory application to a glass slide, staining and visual assessment under a microscope.
The obtained data are entered into and either sent to the attending physician, or handed over to the patient. If the study was carried out "in the old fashioned way", it will not be difficult to understand the records of the laboratory assistant, because there will be indicated the full names of all indicators and even their norms. But if a general blood test was performed on an automatic analyzer, the final document will be a printout with incomprehensible indices consisting of several Latin letters. Here you will probably need a decryption of the results, and we will provide all the necessary information: the norms of a general blood test for women, men and children of different ages in the form of tables and a list of possible reasons why the indicators are increased or decreased.
In the vastness of the network, you can find a lot of such tables of varying degrees of relevance, and the data in them may differ slightly. There is no need to worry about this, since clearly pronounced deviations from the standard figures have a diagnostic value. In addition, the results of a general blood test can only be judged in conjunction with the results of other examinations - it is impossible to establish the correct diagnosis by the KLA alone, and there is no need to try to do this.
How to prepare for a general blood test?
The following factors can affect the reliability of the results:
Food intake;
Prolonged sun exposure;
Nervous tension;
Drinking alcohol and smoking;
Taking certain medications;
Menstruation in women.
Therefore, if you do not want to get up early again, wait for your turn and donate blood, prepare for the analysis correctly, and it is very simple. Do not sunbathe on the beach the day before, do not overeat or drink strong drinks. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking regularly. If you are a woman, schedule a visit to the laboratory for the period of your cycle when there is no period. Do not eat or smoke anything in the morning. Half an hour before entering the office, if possible, sit down in the corridor, relax, do not fuss, do not run up the stairs.
Babies can get very nervous before donating blood simply because of the hospital atmosphere, and older children who already understand where they have come are often afraid of the procedure itself, syringes and scarifiers. Calm your child down, this is very important because stress has a significant impact on the results of the CBC.
General blood test rates for women and men (table)
Abbreviation |
Indicator and unit of measure |
Men |
Women |
10 cells in 12 degrees per 1 liter (10 12 / l) |
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Death of red blood cells (hemolysis) due to toxin poisoning or autoimmune pathologies; Congenital fermentopathies, affecting those enzymes that are involved in hematopoiesis; Poor diet, deficiency of proteins, minerals, amino acids, vitamins and other valuable food components. Erythrocytes are increased - reasons:Heart or pulmonary failure; Erythremia (polycythemia); Pregnancy, adolescence and toddler age - the body needs more iron than usual; Acute and chronic infectious diseases; Systemic and autoimmune pathologies (, rheumatoid arthritis,); Diseases of the blood (leukemia, any anemia, thalassemia); Degenerative-dystrophic processes in the liver (cirrhosis, fatty hepatosis); Oncological diseases; Poisoning of the body of any etiology; Taking some medicines; Increased hemoglobin - causes:A very active lifestyle, intense physical activity or sports, living in a mountainous area with thin clean air; Congenital heart and lung defects, functional insufficiency of these organs; Pathology of the hematopoietic system (erythremia); Kidney disease (renal artery stenosis, tumor); Dysfunction of the adrenal glands; Dehydration of the body; Overuse of diuretics; Hematocrit (HCT)Hematocrit norm: Women - 36-43% Men - 44-52% Children - 37-44%  Hematocrit is the ratio of red blood cell volume to total blood volume. To understand what indicator we are talking about, imagine a tube with a UAC sample, which was fixed in an upright position and given time to settle so that the red part settles to the bottom, and the plasma ends up at the top, since it weighs less red blood cells. So, the percentage between these two fractions is the hematocrit. Only in the laboratory it is calculated much easier, accelerating the process of separating blood into erythrocytes and plasma using a centrifuge. A healthy person circulates about 4.5-5 liters of blood in the body. While it is in the bloodstream, all formed elements circulate freely in the plasma. If you take a general analysis in a dry test tube, without an anticoagulant, then a lump of fibrin, covered with erythrocytes, and a transparent yellowish serum, in which many indicators are not tracked correctly, are formed. That is why it is so important to place the UAC sample in a vacutainer, then the results of the study will be the most informative and accurate, and this concerns the hematocrit in the first place. Obviously, the HCT value directly depends on the size and number of red blood cells. In the decoding of the general blood test, this indicator is indicated as a percentage.
Normal hematocrit in the general blood test: Lowered hematocrit - reasons: Second half of pregnancy; Excess water in the body, for example, due to an increase in the concentration of salt or proteins; Diseases of the blood, including malignant (leukemia, paraproteinemic hemoblastosis, myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma); Anemia of any genesis; Renal failure, all kidney pathologies that provoke fluid retention and edema; Extensive blood loss; Severe infectious diseases (typhus); Poisoning with salts of heavy metals, poisonous mushrooms; Treatment with cytostatics and anticancer drugs. Increased hematocrit - reasons:
Stay in conditions of high altitudes and thin air; Dehydration of the body; Profuse diarrhea or violent vomiting; Intestinal obstruction; Polycythemia (erythremia, or Vakez's disease); Pulmonary insufficiency; "Blue" heart defects; Kidney tumors; Burn disease; Reticulocytes (RET)The rate of reticulocytes: Women - 0.5-2.05% Men - 0.7-1.9% Children - 0.7-2.05%  Reticulocytes are future red blood cells, that is, young, immature forms of red blood cells. They form in the bone marrow, passing through several stages of development, and the reticulocyte is the penultimate of them when the cell loses its nucleus. A similar indicator is always listed on the general blood test form, but determining its value is usually only done when there is a suspicion of a serious illness. The automatic analyzer calculates how many of 1000 erythrocytes in a person are immature, that is, reticulocytes, and expresses the result as a percentage. In newly born children, this number can reach 10%, because their hematopoietic system is busy with enhanced erythropoiesis, and this is the norm. But in adults, the number of reticulocytes among mature forms of blood cells in the normal state should not exceed 2%. Normal indicators of reticulocytes in a general blood test: Reticulocytes are elevated - reasons: Massive blood loss; Poisoning with hemolytic poisons; Taking certain medications (erythropoietin, Levodopa, antipyretics); Recovering from radiation or chemotherapy; Ascent to great heights; Pregnancy; Diseases of the hematopoietic system (polycythemia, thalassemia, hemolytic anemia); Acute hypoxia (oxygen starvation); Certain infections, such as malaria Taking certain medications (chloramphenicol, carbamazepine, sulfonamides); Folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency; Alcoholism. Color Index (CPU)Color indicator norm: Women, men and children over 3 years old - 0.85-1.05 Toddlers under 3 years old - 0.75-0.95 The color or color index of blood is today an outdated diagnostic parameter that describes the degree of saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin. But it is outdated not at all because it is unnecessary, but only because automatic analyzers have replaced manual CPU detection almost everywhere. They give the same data in the form of one of the red blood cell indices, which we will discuss in more detail below. Accordingly, if in the decoding of the results of the UAC you see the abbreviation CP, it means that the study was carried out in an ordinary laboratory. 
The most common occurrence is hypochromia, when there are many red blood cells, but they are half-empty, and this almost always indicates the presence of some type of anemia. But it is curious that normochromia in itself does not mean health - in a person, both the number of erythrocytes and the content of hemoglobin in them can be proportionally reduced, while the CP indicator will be normal. There is a third variant of deviation, when there are enough or few red blood cells, but there is too much hemoglobin in them, then the CPU will be increased, and there is a thickening of the blood, the reasons for which the doctor has to find out. Erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW)There are four important indicators produced by automatic blood analyzers when performing a general analysis. They are designated by Latin abbreviations, describe the state of erythrocytes and their functional abilities. The machine calculates erythrocyte indices based on the total number of blood cells, their hemoglobin content and the percentage of red blood to plasma (hematocrit). MCV (mean cell volume)This index shows the average volume of one erythrocyte, expressed in femtoliters. That is, the automatic analyzer takes all detected red blood cells - both small (microcytes), and correct (normocytes), and large (macrocytes) and giant (megalocytes) - adds their volumes together, and then divides this number by the number of cells taken. MCV rate: Women - 81-103 fl Men - 79-100 fl Children - 73-97 fl
MCV can be elevated against the background of liver diseases, pathologies of the hematopoietic system, including cancer, deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B12 and associated anemias, body poisoning and prolonged alcohol abuse. A decrease in this indicator in the general blood test may indicate hypochromic, microcytic, iron deficiency or sideroblastic anemia, hyperthyroidism (excessive production of thyroid hormones), hemoglobinopathy (disturbances in the structure of hemoglobin). RDW (red cell distribution width)This index characterizes the degree of diversity of red blood cells, called anisocytosis for short and expressed as a percentage. Speaking about the previous indicator, we have listed the types of red blood cells. So, if a person has all red blood cells of about the same size, the RDW index will be normal. If there are many giants and midgets in the erythrocyte population, the RDW will be increased. But these values can only be considered in conjunction with the previous parameter, MCV, because if almost all red blood cells are small, or vice versa, large, RDW will also be normal, but this situation does not bring anything good. Red blood cells should be of the correct size and not very different from each other. RDW rate: Women, men and children over 6 months - 11.5-14% Babies up to six months - 15-18% MCH (mean cell hemoglobin)This index indicates the average hemoglobin content in one erythrocyte and is a modern analogue of the color (color) index of blood. Measured by MCH in picograms. You can find out about the values of deviations from the norm above, where we have already examined the CPU. MCH rate: Women - 26-34 pg Men - 27-32 pg Children - 26-32 pg MCHC (mean cell hemoglobin concentration)This index complements the previous ones and describes the average concentration of red blood pigment in the blood, expressed in grams per liter. Correct decoding of erythrocyte indices in a general blood test is possible only taking into account all indices, separately these data are not very informative. A decreased level of MCHS, for example, may indicate the presence of hypochromic anemia or thalassemia. And in principle, it cannot exceed the MCHS norm much, because if there were too much hemoglobin in the erythrocytes, hemolysis would begin (the cells would simply burst). MCHC rate: Women - 320-360 g / l Men - 320-370 g / l Children - 320-380 g / l Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)Women - 2-15 mm / h, after 50 years - up to 20-30 mm / h, pregnant women - up to 40 m / h Men - 1-10 mm / h, after 50 years - up to 15-20 mm / h Children - 2-10 mm / h  The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) allows you to estimate how quickly the blood separates into plasma and the red part (remember the hematocrit). Previously, this indicator was called the erythrocyte sedimentation reaction (ESR). But the result is still indicated at the very end of the form and, as it were, completes the decoding of the general blood test. It is noteworthy that in women, red blood cells normally separate from the plasma and sink to the bottom of the test tube about one and a half times faster than in men and children. And during periods of hormonal fluctuations (menstruation, pregnancy), ESR generally goes off scale. What does the erythrocyte sedimentation rate say, why is it so important to know? In a healthy person, erythrocyte membranes are negatively charged, so red blood cells repel each other and settle slowly. Due to some diseases, the situation changes: when the content of C-reactive protein, alpha and gamma globulins, fibrinogen increases in the blood, then the erythrocytes begin to stick together and form a kind of coin columns. The accumulations of blood cells are heavier than individual cells, so the groups will sink to the bottom of the tube faster. But, for example, a decrease in the concentration of another protein in the blood, albumin, on the contrary, interferes with the adhesion of erythrocytes, and the ESR falls. The opposite situation is observed with violations of the electrolyte balance, then the red blood cells lose their negative charge, stop pushing off and settle faster, that is, the ESR rises. Knowing all these patterns, coupled with the results of other examinations, the doctor can suggest a diagnosis. To determine the ESR, the laboratory assistant fills a thin tube with the patient's blood and sets it in the so-called Panchenko tripod for exactly one hour. There is a millimeter scale, looking at which you can find out the result after the allotted time. There is another, more modern Westergren method, which is used mainly by foreign laboratories. It allows you to calculate the ESR in half an hour, but the survey results will be identical if they are obtained correctly in both cases. ESR is measured in millimeters per hour. ESR increased - reasons:
The period before menstruation in women; Pregnancy (ESR reaches a maximum 2-5 days after delivery and can be 55 mm / h); Any infections of bacterial, viral, fungal origin (ARVI, tuberculosis); Inflammatory diseases of internal organs (cystitis, gastritis, endocarditis); Pathologies of the cardiovascular system (myocardial infarction, heart failure); Autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, hemorrhagic); Normal leukocyte counts in a general blood test: Leukocytes are increased - reasons: Leukocytes are lowered - reasons:Hypoplasia or aplasia of the bone marrow, tumor metastases in its structure, inhibition of its functions as a result of radiation or chemotherapy; Chronic infections of a severe course, for example, tuberculosis in the last stages or AIDS; Some acute viral infections (influenza, measles, rubella, mononucleosis). For them, leukopenia for 3-4 days of illness is the norm; Collagenoses (systemic autoimmune pathologies of connective tissues, for example, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma); A number of diseases of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, including malignant lesions (plasmacytoma, lymphogranulomatosis, myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndrome); Enlargement of the spleen, primary and secondary hypersplenism (abnormal increase in the functional activity of the organ), condition after removal of the spleen; Sepsis (leukopenia is a very alarming diagnostic sign); Taking certain medications (NSAIDs, cytostatics, sulfonamides, antibiotics); Anaphylactic shock; Radiation sickness; Complications after blood transfusion; Severe stress.  Leukocyte formula is the percentage of different types of leukocytes in the general population. This indicator can be found in the decoding of the results of a detailed blood test. The study of the leukocyte formula must be done in the case when the total level of white blood cells is significantly higher or lower than normal. Because, for example, with infections, hemolytic pathologies and oncological diseases, the situation will be fundamentally different - a person will have more leukocytes, and some less. All white blood cells are divided into two large groups: granulocytes and agranulocytes. The first, granular leukocytes, include neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils - they have segmented nuclei. The second, devoid of granules, are monocytes and lymphocytes - they have one large nucleus. Granulocytes account for up to 75% of the total number of leukocytes found in peripheral blood in humans as part of a complete blood count. If we look at the table with the interpretation of the results, we will see that the most numerous representatives of the granular community are neutrophils, which are mature (segmented) and immature (stab). What is the left and right shift of the leukocyte count?A shift in the leukocyte count to the left is a situation in which young neutrophils are found in the patient's blood. And they should not be there, they are normally found only in the bone marrow. If young defenders of immunity are already produced in an increased amount and are released into the peripheral blood in an immature form, it means that the body is affected by a large-scale infection (malaria, diphtheria, scarlet fever), there is an acute inflammatory process (tonsillitis, appendicitis), blood loss has occurred, or even blood poisoning has begun. That is why the shift of the leukocyte formula to the left is of great diagnostic value. The opposite situation, when there are too many old neutrophils in the blood, and they already have five nuclei, happens when a person lives in a highly polluted area, is exposed to radiation, suffers from anemia, a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12, chronic pulmonary disease , depletion of the body. This is what a shift of the leukocyte formula to the right can tell the doctor. Neutrophils (NEUT)Neutrophil count: Women and men - segmented: 47-72%, stab: 1-3% Children - segmented: 40-65%, stab: 1-5%  Neutrophilic granulocytes play a major role in the fight against bacterial infections. They are constantly produced by the bone marrow - seven million new defenders of the immune system are released into the blood every minute. Neutrophils travel through the bloodstream for 8-48 hours, and then settle in tissues and organs, that is, take up their combat post in order to be the first to rush to fight a dangerous invasion. Neutrophils are the most numerous among all leukocytes, and their main function is called phagocytosis. This is the process of devouring foreign cellular structures and pathogens of infectious diseases. One neutrophilic granulocyte can eat up to 30 harmful bacteria! When discussing the shift in the leukocyte formula, we have already mentioned that immature forms of neutrophils are called stab, and there may be a minimum number of them in a healthy person in the peripheral blood, and mature, segmented cells should make up the vast majority of leukocytes, but exceeding the norm is also undesirable.
Normal indicators of neutrophils in a general blood test: Elevated neutrophils - reasons: Bacterial infections and inflammatory diseases, especially acute forms (tonsillitis, sinusitis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, enterocolitis, pancreatitis, cystitis, bronchitis); Traumatic lesions of soft tissues and purulent processes (burns, wounds, abscesses, gangrene); Infarction of internal organs (heart, spleen, kidney); Cancer and autoimmune diseases; Treatment with immunostimulants; The period after vaccination. Neutrophils are lowered - reasons:Certain types of infectious diseases of bacterial and viral nature (influenza, measles, rubella, viral hepatitis,); Pathologies of the hematopoietic system (leukemia, anemia); Thyrotoxicosis (poisoning of the body with thyroid hormones); In cancer patients - the period after radiation or chemotherapy; Taking certain medications (antibiotics, antiviral drugs); Basophils (BASO)Basophil norm: Women, men and children of any age - 0-1%  Basophilic granulocytes are the rarest guests in deciphering a general blood test. They may not be there at all, which is not an alarming symptom. Basophils are produced by the bone marrow, enter the bloodstream in a mature form and are there for only 24-48 hours. Their ability for amoeboid movement is very modest, and they phagocytize poorly, but this is not their task. Basophils have an S-shaped dense three-lobed nucleus, while the entire cell is filled with histamine, serotonin, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and other inflammatory mediators. Thus, these immune cells are responsible for the development of immediate allergic reactions. This means that as long as an allergen or toxin does not interfere with a person, he does not really need basophils either. But as soon as a threat appears, these leukocytes begin to be vigorously released into the blood, and a laboratory assistant can detect them during a general analysis. The basophils present in the focus of inflammation carry out degranulation, that is, they burst and expel biologically active substances from themselves. Noticing this, other immune cells rush to the rescue and deploy the required type of activity, depending on what caused the "catastrophe".
Elevated basophils - reasons:Oncological diseases, including malignant lesions of the hematopoietic and lymphatic systems (carcinomas, lymphomas, myeloid leukemia); Hypothyroidism and treatment with hormonal drugs that inhibit the functional activity of the thyroid gland; Infectious and inflammatory processes of any genesis (flu, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis,); Hemolytic and iron deficiency anemia; Autoimmune pathologies (rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis,); Diabetes; Food or drug allergies; Splenectomy. Eosinophils (EO)The rate of eosinophils: Women and men - 0.5-5% Children - 1-7%  Eosinophils are capable of phagocytosis, like their counterparts - neutrophils, but at the same time they can eat only relatively small particles, that is, they act as microphages, not macrophages. The main useful property of eosinophils is the formation of humoral immunity, that is, protection associated with the destructive effect of antibodies on foreign cells, and not with their simple absorption, as neutrophils do.
Eosinophils are elevated - causes:Acute infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases (scarlet fever, mononucleosis, syphilis,); Allergic reactions and related diseases (urticaria, vasomotor rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, anaphylactic shock,); Pulmonary pathologies (sarcoidosis, fibrosing alveolitis, pleurisy); Oncological diseases of the hematopoietic and lymphatic systems (leukemia, lymphoma, lymphogranulomatosis); Malignant tumors of any localization; Autoimmune diseases (nodular periarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma); Taking some medications (sulfonamides, penicillins, NSAIDs, aminophylline, diphenhydramine). Eosinophils are lowered - causes:The first stage of inflammatory processes and diseases requiring emergency surgical treatment (appendicitis, pancreatitis, gallstone disease, peritonitis); Pain shock; Blood poisoning (sepsis); Dysfunction of the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex; Poisoning with salts of heavy metals; Terminal stage of leukemia; Severe stress. Monocytes (MON)Monocyte rate: Women and men - 3-11% Children - 2-12%  Monocytes are the largest immune cells in the human body (up to 20 microns), they belong to the group of agranulocytes, have an oval shape and bean-shaped non-segmented nucleus. In this they differ from their colleagues in the group, lymphocytes, which are much smaller in size and have a rounded nucleus. Monocytes exhibit the greatest phagocytic activity. They leave the bone marrow immature, which gives them the ability to stretch and absorb even foreign cells of equal size. For two to three days, monocytes circulate in the blood, and then either die through apoptosis, or settle in organs and tissues and become macrophages. They move very quickly, thanks to the outgrowths-pseudopodia. The macrophages follow the neutrophils to the inflammation focus, but arrive there with a slight delay, because their task includes "general cleaning" at the site of the liquidation of the accident. Macrophages eat up crippled microbes, dead fellow leukocytes and the remains of the body's own damaged cells.
Monocytes are elevated - reasons:Infectious diseases of bacterial, viral or fungal etiology (tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, ulcerative colitis, brucellosis, syphilis, various candidiasis); Convalescence period after any acute inflammatory process; Collagenoses (connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or periarthritis nodosa); Diseases of the lymphatic system (lymphogranulomatosis); Poisoning of the body, for example, phosphorus or tetrachloroethane. Monocytes are lowered - reasons:Purulent-inflammatory lesions of soft tissues and internal organs (abscesses, abscesses, phlegmon); The period immediately after childbirth or surgery; Hairy cell leukemia; Aplastic anemia; Taking steroid hormones (prednisolone, dexamethasone). Lymphocytes (LYM)Lymphocyte count: Women and men - 20-40% Children - 25-50%  Lymphocytes, although they rank second in number among all white blood cells, are considered a key figure in the immune defense of the human body. Lymphocytes belong to the group of agranulocytes, they have one rounded nucleus and are relatively small in size. These cells mature in the bone marrow, and some of them then still undergo training in the thymus gland (thymus). Lymphocytes are responsible for humoral (antibodies) and cellular (phagocytosis) immunity, as well as regulate the activity of other leukocytes and destroy the body's own cells that have become defective or dangerous. Lymphocytes live in different ways: some for only a month, others for a year, and still others for a whole life, carrying information about a meeting with an infectious agent (memory cells). There are three types of lymphocytes in total: B cells, T cells, and NK cells. The first of them recognize foreign structures and pathogens (antigens) in the face and produce proteins (antibodies) aimed specifically at combating them. The second, T-lymphocytes, are called so precisely because they are trained in the thymus, where they receive hereditary information about all the threats that have already encroached on the health of a particular organism. Moreover, T-killers kill enemy cells, T-helpers spur B-lymphocytes to produce antibodies, and T-suppressors, on the contrary, inhibit this process, if necessary. NK lymphocytes stand apart from the line of lymphocytes, as they monitor the body's own cells, their condition and behavior. If a cell has aged and lost its functionality, or even mutated and began to threaten health, as, for example, in the case of malignant tumors, NK lymphocytes must find it and destroy it. At the same time, it is the pathological, unjustified activity of these "body wipers" that underlies the development of autoimmune pathologies, when leukocytes cease to distinguish themselves from others and begin to eradicate certain types of tissues. Lymphocytes are increased - reasons:Viral infections (ARVI, influenza, rubella, mumps, chickenpox, herpes, mononucleosis, cytomegaly); Pathologies of the blood and lymphatic system (acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphosarcoma, Franklin's disease, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia); Poisoning of the body with salts of heavy metals and other poisons, for example, carbon disulfide; Taking some medications (morphine, phenytoin, levodopa, valproic acid). Lowered lymphocytes - reasons:Severe infectious and inflammatory diseases (bad sign, the body cannot cope); The period after undergoing radiation or chemotherapy; Terminal stage of oncological pathologies; Pancytopenia (failure of all types of blood cells); Aplastic anemia; Lymphogranulomatosis; Renal or hepatic impairment; Taking corticosteroids.  Platelets are the third and last blood cells studied during a general blood test, but in terms of their importance for human health and vital activity, they are far from last. Platelets, or platelets, are tiny (2-4 microns) flattened, nuclear-free cells and an uneven surface. They are produced by the bone marrow and perform important functions: they form a primary plug at the sites of damage to blood vessels, provide their surface for the plasma coagulation reaction, and then release growth factors that promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. Total platelet count (PLT)Platelet count: Women and men - 180-320 10 9 / l Children - 160-400 10 9 / l A pronounced decrease in the content of platelets in the blood when deciphering the results of a general analysis indicates a high risk of prolonged non-stopping bleeding and extensive blood loss if a person is seriously injured. And a pathological increase in their number can lead to the formation of blood clots (thrombi) blocking blood vessels, which is also very dangerous.
Thrombocytes are elevated - reasons:Blood loss due to trauma, childbirth, or surgery; Iron-deficiency anemia; Acute inflammation or exacerbation of a chronic illness, such as rheumatism; Splenectomy; Oncological diseases; Erythremia; Exhaustion or extreme fatigue. Thrombocytes are lowered - reasons:Hemophilia (congenital bleeding disorder); Aplastic anemia; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura; Heart failure; Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria; Evans syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation; Renal vein thrombosis; The period after blood transfusion; Prematurity in infants; Taking medicines that thin the blood, such as aspirin. Platelet indices (MPV, PDW, PCT) The automatic analyzer calculates three platelet indexes based on information about the total content of platelets, their sizes and volumes. These indicators in decoding a general blood test are indicated by abbreviations consisting of several Latin letters. MPV (mean platelet volume)This index characterizes the average volume of one platelet and is expressed in femtoliters. It is known that very young platelets are large, while they do not work efficiently enough, and old ones shrink and gradually lose their functionality. This means that if a person has an increased MPV, his blood clotting is impaired, and if it is low, the bone marrow produces too few new platelets. MPV rate: Women and men - 7.0-10.0 fl Children - 7.4-10.4 fl PDW (platelet distribution width)This index reflects the degree of difference between platelets by volume, or their anisocytosis, and is measured as a percentage. We have already considered a similar indicator when we talked about erythrocytes. In the case of platelets, it is also very important to take into account the previous index, MPV, when assessing the value of PDW, because this is the only way to objectively judge the condition and functionality of the platelets. PDW norm: Women and men - 15-17% Children - 10-17% PCT (platelet crit)This index is otherwise called thrombocrit, acts as an analogue of hematocrit, is also expressed as a percentage and describes the ratio of platelet volume to total blood volume. If the indicator is significantly lower than normal, this may indicate temporary problems with blood clotting or even hemophilia. If thrombocritis is higher than normal, the person is at risk of clotting and blockage of blood vessels. PCT norm: Women and men - 0.1-0.4% Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy". |
Each of us at least once in our life, at the slightest suspicion of any disease, took a CBC - a general blood test.
This study is most:
- affordable, it is carried out in every public and private health facility, and at a price that is acceptable for any wallet,
- is carried out in the shortest possible time - a day, and if there is a CITO mark! - urgently - within 1.5 - 2 hours,
- informative.
It can be executed in the form:
- Triplets: Hb - hemoglobin, Le - leukocytes, ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- A detailed analysis with a leukocyte formula.
A detailed general blood test includes:
- Hemogolobin.
- Red blood cells.
- Color indicator.
- Reticulocytes.
- Platelets.
- Leukocytes: stab, segmented, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes.
We do a general blood test, which is mandatory for any disease, in order to obtain a complete picture of the state of the body. It is included in the mandatory list of examinations during a preventive examination or when contacting a health facility for any ailment. It includes, first of all, indicators of the values of the shaped elements.
Go online, and when asked what is included in a complete blood count, you will receive a lot of various information. After reading this article, you will have a complete understanding of this issue.
But first, it should be said that blood is, first of all, an organ that lives according to its physiological laws. Its volume is 6-7% of the mass of an adult. It circulates through the vessels: the arteries carry oxygen-enriched blood from the lungs to all organs and systems.
This is arterial blood, it is scarlet. And blood flows through the veins, saturated with carbon dioxide and metabolic products, this is venous blood of a dark red color. Passing through the liver, it is cleansed of poisons and toxins. It enters the lungs again, is enriched with oxygen and carries it along with the nutrients to its destinations. And this happens all the time, whether we are awake or asleep.
Blood consists of a liquid part - plasma and corpuscles.
Proteins, minerals, vitamins and decay products are dissolved in plasma. A decrease in its volume leads to thickening of the blood and difficulty in blood circulation, which can cause ischemic events - heart attacks and strokes.
Shaped elements are also an important component. Each group included there performs its own specific functions. Their total meaning can be summed up in three words: transport, protection and regulation.
Blood indicators
A clinical blood test includes the study of 5 main parameters:
- Hemoglobin.
- Red blood cells.
- Platelets.
- Leukocytes.
Their level indicates what changes are taking place in the body - whether it is healthy or some pathological process on the face.
Let's take a closer look at each of the parameters.
Hemoglobin
It is a proteinaceous compound with iron. Carries out a transport role. Iron enters the body with food, its consumption per day should be at least 20 mg. It is better absorbed in the presence of vitamin C and is found in large quantities in:
- red meat,
- pork and beef liver,
- buckwheat,
- dried apricots,
- nuts,
- black raisins,
- pomegranate,
- apricots.
Its normal numbers indicate a good hematopoietic function of the bone marrow. The decrease occurs when:
- Massive internal and external bleeding.
- Chronic internal bleeding with uterine fibroids, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, erosive ulcerative colitis.
- Hematopoietic dysfunction.
Erythrocytes
The blood cells are biconcave, the red color is obtained due to the hemoglobin content. They play a transport and nutritional role. They are assessed by their shape, color intensity, quantity. Among them, there should not normally be more than 1% of reticulocytes - young forms.
An increase in the number of erythrocytes leads to thickening of the blood - erythrocytosis, which can be observed in hot weather with dehydration of the body, the use of diuretics for a long time, loss of plasma. A decrease in the number of red blood cells indicates anemia.
Platelets
Colorless cells perform one of the most important functions: stopping bleeding, as well as nutrition and restoration of the integrity of the damaged vascular wall. Due to the special structure, they have special processes, they form a mesh at the place of bleeding, on which fibrin is deposited. They bind tightly to each other and, thus, a plug is formed - a thrombus that closes the defect in the vessel wall and the bleeding stops.
In the case of an increase in the normal level of platelets, thrombocytosis is observed. It leads to increased blood clotting, which prevents massive blood loss during surgery. But it is pathological under normal conditions, as it leads to increased thrombus formation and vascular accidents.
Leukocytes
White blood cells are responsible for the body's defenses. Their increased number indicates:
- inflammatory process,
- infectious,
- poisoning,
- injury
- any disease of internal organs,
- or leukemia.
and a low one - about problems in the immune status. A detailed clinical blood test always includes a description of the leukocyte formula:
- Rod and segmented cells.
Normally, the amount ranges from 19-38%. They are responsible for the formation of an immune response at the cellular and humoral levels. So, when foreign agents invade, they cause the production of special hormones, which in turn stimulate an increase in the number of T-lymphocytes. They are the ones who surround the "enemy" and "destroy" him. A good example of this is the formation of boils or abscesses at the site of infection, such as staphylococcus or streptococcus.
Normally, their number should not exceed 1%. They instantly react to the introduction of various poisons, toxins and inflammatory processes. Their level is also increased in some blood diseases, such as myeloid leukemia or hemolytic anemia.
Their normal level in the blood is in the range of 3-11%. They carry out a kind of face-control of all foreign substances and give a command for their destruction to eosinophils and lymphocytes.
Sometimes, when describing the leukocyte formula, they write "shift to the left or to the right." A shift to the left indicates an increase in immature young forms of leukocytes in the blood. Such a picture can be observed with sepsis, generalized infectious processes, when the body throws all its strength to fight the pathological process. It intensively produces leukocytes and then immature elements enter the blood. But the shift to the right is characteristic of liver and kidney disease.
The color indicator is the ratio of blood volume to erythrocytes. It is different for men, women and children.
Reticulocytes are young red blood cells. Their rate normally ranges from 0.2 to 1.2%.
ESR
The sedimentation rate of erythrocytes indicates how fast they stick together. Normally, the indicators for women are from 2-15mm / hour, for men - 1-10mm / hour. Their increase occurs with great physical exertion, oncological and inflammatory processes.
Its high rates with low leukocyte counts indicate a sharp decrease in immunity.
From all that has been said, it is clear that blood is a living and important organ of the human body. Every drop of it carries life!
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