Complete blood count is the most common diagnostic test. It involves taking blood from a vein, usually in the elbow bend. The treatment is quick and almost painless. It allows for early detection of many diseases, which is why we should perform it prophylactically at least once a year.
Once we have an appointment for the examination, we go to the treatment room. It is recommended to draw blood in the morning on an empty stomach. After the procedure, we are informed when and in what form we are to receive the results. When we have them in our hands, we look at the card and often feel lost. Standards and our indicators are listed, but what does it all mean? Is it good or bad? If you also get lost in the maze of medical symbols of the morphological test result, be sure to check how to read them!
- RBC/ERYTHROCYTES These are red blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow. Their task in our body is to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide to the lungs. ♦The result above the norm: can mean erythrocytosis – a rare disease caused by neoplastic growth of red blood cells or chronic lung diseases, heart defects, cancer, kidney cysts. The RBC level also increases as a result of hypoxia, dehydration, steroid use, hormonal disorders, peritonitis or when staying in high mountains.♦Below normal result: means anemia due to blood loss, deficiency of iron, amino acids, folic acid or vitamins B6 or B12. It can also be caused by: pregnancy, kidney diseases, cancer, overhydration of the body.
- HB/HGB/ HEMOGLOBINA — is a protein component of red blood cells that transports oxygen to our cells and removes carbon dioxide from them.♦Outstanding result: means dehydration of the body, hypoxia, heart defects, kidney cancers, chronic lung diseases.♦Below normal result: may suggest anemia, overhydration.
- WBC/LEUKOCYTES – are white blood cells. They are formed in the bone marrow and lymphatic tissue, and their task is to protect us against microorganisms.♦The result above the norm: it may indicate inflammation of organs, tissue damage, poisoning, infections, cancer. It increases under the influence of stress, physical effort, sunbathing, on hot days and as a result of pregnancy.♦Below normal result: it may indicate infectious diseases, mainly viral, chemical poisoning, vitamin deficiency, cancer, such as Hodgkin’s disease or leukemia.
- HCT/HEMATOKRYT — is the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the volume of plasma.♦The result above the norm: suggests hyperemia, chronic lung diseases, kidney tumors, peritonitis, dehydration, increases with steroid treatment and after a stay in the mountains.♦Below normal result: means anemia, bone marrow disease or overhydration.
- PLT/TROMBOCYTY – are platelets, formed in the bone marrow and lymphatic tissue. They are responsible for the process of coagulation initiation, fibrinolysis and vasoconstriction.♦Outstanding result: it can mean chronic inflammation, iron deficiency, liver failure, pregnancy, exhaustion of the body after intense physical effort.♦Wynik below standard: suggests infections, bone marrow damage, cancer, vitamin B12, folate or iron deficiency.
Please note that the given interpretation of the results is only exemplary and indicative. The final assessment and diagnosis should be made by a specialist doctor with whom we will consult our results!