Blood morphology – what is this test, what are the standards?

Proven content

Blood count is the most common diagnostic test. Blood is a type of liquid connective tissue that circulates inside blood vessels. It consists of liquid plasma, which makes up about 55-60% of the blood volume, and the following morphotic elements:

• red blood cells – red blood cells

• white blood cells – leukocytes

• platelets – thrombocytes.

The human body has an average of 5-5,5 liters of blood. It has the following functions:

• carries oxygen around the body and carries carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs,

• distributes nutrients, vitamins and hormones throughout the body,

• discharges redundant or harmful (toxic) substances to the excretory organs (kidneys, lungs, sweat glands),

• takes part in the body’s defense against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens,

• participates in maintaining a constant body temperature,

• buffers, i.e. maintains a constant pH within certain limits.

The most frequently performed basic diagnostic examination is the examination blood count. The assessment of blood counts allows to determine the patient’s health status. It enables the diagnosis of inflammation, infection, anemia and many other disease processes.

The blood count does not include the determination of the hemoglobin level – however, due to the automation of the test process, this parameter is measured simultaneously.

Do you want to perform a blood count and other diagnostic tests that are recommended to be performed once a year? Sign up for comprehensive examinations by choosing the MAKSIMUM e-package with specialist consultation.

It is also worth doing a blood count before visiting a dietitian. Take advantage of the test package. Pre-consultation tests with a dietitian – home blood analysis. It contains as many as 18 tests that will help determine any deficiencies and choose the best diet.

The normal ranges for the complete blood count are listed below. However, it should be remembered that the results of laboratory tests depend on many factors and should not be considered in isolation from other elements of the diagnostic process. Therefore, the interpretation of the results is always best done by the attending physician.

If you need to interpret the test results, make an online teleconsultation appointment with your family doctor. You can get answers to your questions today.

Morphology is a basic test that is also carried out as part of many packages available on Medonet Market, e.g .:

1. Woman’s health check – diagnostic blood tests,
2. A package of preventive examinations – blood tests,
3. Pregnancy tests – a package of blood tests,
4. Prophylactic blood tests for men,
5. Oncology package for men – diagnostic tests,
6. Neoplastic diseases – risk assessment for women,
7. Allergy – diagnostic blood tests.

How to Interpret Adult Morphology Results?

Hematokryt (HCT)

Normal hematocrit (HCT):

• women: 37-47%

• men: 42-52%

Increased hematocrit may be caused by: an increase in the number of red blood cells – in the course of primary (polycythemia vera) and secondary hyperaemia (staying at high altitudes, chronic lung diseases, kidney cancer) and dehydration (as a result of profuse diarrhea, persistent vomiting, diabetes insipidus) or as a result of excessive sweating, decreased plasma volume, peritonitis, extensive burns.

A decrease in hematocrit may be caused by: a decrease in the number of red blood cells – in the course of anemia, blood loss (bleeding), bone marrow diseases (radiation sickness, tumors), hyperhydration (too much water in the body)

Hemoglobina (HGB, Hb)

Hemoglobin norms (HGB, Hb):

• women: 11,5-16,0 g / dl (7,2-10,0 mmol / l)

• men: 12,5-18,0 g / dl (7,8-11,3 mmol / l)

The decrease in hemoglobin levels is generally caused by anemia or fluid overload.

Increased hemoglobin concentration is observed in hyperemia and in disturbances in the fluid and electrolyte balance (e.g. dehydration).

If you are sure that your symptoms are related to a disturbed water and electrolyte balance, we encourage you to reach for the following products. We remind you that the article is not a substitute for contacting a doctor!

1. Kneipp herbal capsules for dehydration – compare prices
2. Hydronea – compare prices

Do you know what low hemoglobin proves?

White blood cells (leukocytes, WBC)

The norm of white blood cells (leukocytes, WBC):

• 4,0-10,8 x 10⁹/l

The increase in the number of leukocytes is called leukocytosis, and the decrease – leukopenia. Leukocytosis can have physiological causes, such as high ambient temperature, sunbathing, pregnancy, exercise, stress. The increase in the number of white blood cells can also be caused by pathological factors, such as inflammation, tissue damage, infections, poisoning, and cancer.

The decrease in the number of white blood cells can be caused by some infectious diseases, especially viral ones – hepatitis, influenza, HIV infection, measles, rubella, and chicken pox. Leukopenia also occurs in damage to the bone marrow by chemicals and ionizing rays, in aplasia (developmental arrest, atrophy) and bone marrow hypoplasia, in cachexia, collagen diseases, bone marrow metastases, some leukemias and in severe bacterial infections (sepsis). , dura and parade, anaphylactic shock).

Basophils (basophils, BASO)

Basophil norm (BASO):

• 0-0,2 x 10⁹/l

Their number increases in chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, with chronic myeloid leukemia, ulcerative enteritis, hypothyroidism, and Hodgkin’s disease.

A result below the norm may appear in acute infections, acute rheumatic fever, hyperthyroidism, acute pneumonia, and stress.

Eosynophile (granulocyte kwasochłonne, EOS)

Eosinophil Norm (EOS):

• 0-0,45 x 10⁹/l

Their increase is caused by allergic, infectious, hematological, parasitic diseases, bronchial asthma, as well as hay fever, psoriasis and taking certain medications (e.g. penicillins).

The reasons for the decline in eosinophils include infections, typhoid, dysentery, sepsis, injuries, burns, exercise, and the effects of adrenal hormones.

Neutrophils (neutrophils, NEUT)

Neutrophil Norm (NEUT):

• 1,8-7,7 x 10⁹/l

An increase in their number is observed in local and general infections, neoplastic and hematological diseases, after injuries, hemorrhages, infarctions, in metabolic diseases, in smokers and in women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

On the other hand, a decrease in the number of neutrocytes occurs in fungal, viral (influenza, rubella), bacterial (tuberculosis, typhoid, brucellosis), protozoal (e.g. malaria) infections, in toxic damage to the bone marrow, and in cystostatic treatment.

Lymphocytes (LYMPH)

Lymphocyte norm (LYMPH):

• 1,0-4,5 x 10⁹/l

Their number is increasing in diseases such as whooping cough, lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, measles, mumps, tuberculosis, syphilis, rubella, and immune diseases.

However, a decrease, or pancytopenia, can be caused by the use of corticosteroids, as well as severe viral infections.

Monocytes (MONO)

Monocyte norm (MONO):

• 0-0,8 x 10⁹/l

Their increase may be caused by: tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis, endocarditis, typhoid fever, infectious mononucleosis, protozoal infections, surgical injuries, collagenosis, Crohn’s disease, neoplasms.

The reasons for the decreased number of monocytes are, for example, infections and the use of glucocorticosteroids.

Red blood cells (erythrocytes, RBC)

Red blood cell (RBC) norms:

• women: 4,2-5,4 x 10¹²/l

• men: 4,7-6,1 x 10¹²/l

The increase in red blood cells is called erythrocytosis and the decrease is called erythropenia. Erythrocytosis (or polycythemia) is a rare disease. It can be caused by neoplastic growth of red blood cells. It can also be caused by hypoxia or an increased production of a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the blood (erythropoietin).

However, we are dealing with anemia more often. It can be caused by iron deficiency, blood loss, or vitamin B deficiency₁₂ or folic acid. Anemia also occurs when various factors cause the breakdown of erythrocytes (then we are talking about haemolytic anemia). The cause of anemia is also iron deficiency or other secondary causes (pregnancy, kidney diseases, cancer, chronic diseases).

Platelets (thrombocytes, PLT)

Platelet (thrombocyte, PLT) norm:

• 130-450 x 10⁹/l

We deal with thrombocytosis in the case of chronic inflammation, after exercise, iron deficiency, after removal of the spleen, during pregnancy, in the course of some cancers. It also happens so-called essential thrombocythemia (for no apparent reason).

However, thrombocytopenia (thrombocypenia) is more common. It can be caused, for example, by vitamin B deficiency₁₂ or folic acid, infections, cancer and other illnesses, and also occur as a side effect of certain medications.

If you are deficient in vitamin B12, we encourage you to take a look at the following products:

1. Vitamin B12 – Compare Offers
2. Vitamin B12 + B6 + folic acid – compare offers
3. Vitamin B12 forte – compare offers
4. Vegan Vitamin B12 – Compare Deals

Red blood cell volume distribution (RDW)

The norm of red blood cell volume distribution:

• 11,5-14,5 %

This parameter increases in iron deficiency anemia. An increase in RDW can also be seen after blood loss or after vitamin B treatment₁₂ and / or folic acid.

Mean volume of red blood cells (MCV, ŚOK)

Norms of the average volume of red blood cells:

• women: 81-99 fl

• men: 80-94 fl

MCV below 80 fl is indicative of microcytic anemia (with a decrease in the size of the red blood cell). It is characteristic of iron deficiency. However, a result above 110 fl is most often a signal of megaloblastic anemia associated with vitamin B deficiency₁₂ and / or folic acid. A slight increase in MCV is sometimes caused by an increase in the number of reticulocytes (young forms of erythrocytes that have a greater volume), which is not always pathological.

Mean hemoglobin content (MCH)

The norm of the mean hemoglobin content (MCH):

• 27-31 pg

The increase in the mean content of hemoglobin in the red blood cell may accompany macrocytic anemia (vitamin B deficiency).₁₂ or folic acid).

On the other hand, the decrease in the mean hemoglobin content may be caused by water and electrolyte disturbances (e.g. hypotonic fluid overload) and hypochromatic anemia (iron deficiency).

Mean hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)

The norm of mean hemoglobin concentration (MCHC):

• 33-37 g/dl

MCHC increases may occur in hereditary spherocytosis and in states of hypertonic dehydration.

The decrease in MCHC may be caused by water and electrolyte disturbances of the hypertonic hyperhydration type and by iron deficiency anemia.

Indications for performing a blood count

The indications as to the type and scope of the tests performed are determined individually by the attending physician. Complete blood count can also be associated with the prevention of certain diseases – then it is performed as a periodic test – once a year.

A blood test can be performed without a doctor’s prescription, but a medical consultation before and after the test is recommended.

Basic blood tests, such as complete blood counts, cholesterol, and sugar, should be performed by everyone at least once a year. Take the first step to health and make an appointment today.

Pre-blood tests

It is not absolutely necessary to perform other tests beforehand.

Preparation method for blood counts

The morphology can be determined at any time of the day or night. Unless your attending physician recommends otherwise, you can eat and drink before the examination. If we are taking any medications, there is no need to stop them. Due to some blood tests, you may need to follow a certain diet for several days before the test. Recommendations in this regard are determined individually with the attending physician and the laboratory performing the analyzes.

Description of the blood count test

Blood for testing is taken in a sitting position, and in particularly sensitive people – in a lying position.

Information to be reported prior to testing:

• bleeding tendency (haemorrhagic diathesis)

• tendency to faint when taking blood

• current medications.

What should I do after the blood test?

There are no special recommendations.

Possible complications after a blood test

Slight bleeding or hematoma at the point where the needle went through.

Text: lek. med. Matylda Mazur