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Morphology is a basic preventive and diagnostic test. During the test, a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the blood is made. The test looks at both blood cells and platelets. The examination can be performed free of charge under the National Health Fund (NFZ) insurance and for a fee. Where can the morphology be performed?
What is morphology?
The morphology is based on the assessment of the blood composition, mainly white and red blood cells and platelets. The so-called the red cell system evaluates parameters such as erythrocytes, hematocrit, RDW and red cell markers, which allows for an initial diagnosis of anemia. In addition, morphology is used to monitor the progress of anemia therapy, the condition of hemorrhagic patients, and basic bone marrow functions.
For the so-called of the white blood cell system include parameters such as total leukocytosis, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils, and automatic neutrophil differentiation smear. These indicators are designed to initially determine immunodeficiency, inflammation, infection, as well as bone marrow diseases, myeloid and lymphatic leukemias, and bone marrow disorders.
In the case of platelets, parameters such as MPV, PDW, P-LCR are assessed. These indicators allow the diagnosis of disorders in the number of platelets, as well as bleeding and thrombotic conditions.
What parameters are assessed in the full morphology?
On the result of the morphology, we can find many parameters that describe the state of the organism, including:
- leukocytes (WBC) – an indicator that determines the number of white blood cells in thousand / μL, it includes the division of leukocytes into 3 groups;
- erythrocytes (RBC) – indicator that determines the number of red blood cells in million / μL;
- hemoglobin (HGB) – an indicator of total hemoglobin concentration in the blood in g / dl;
- hematocrit – an indicator of the volume of erythrocytes in the blood expressed as a percentage.
In addition, indicators related to red blood cells only, such as MCV (mean blood cell volume), MCH (mean blood cell hemoglobin weight), MCHC (mean blood cell hemoglobin concentration) and RDW (blood cell volume index) are determined during morphology.
Indicators related to platelets are PLT (Platelet Count), MPV (Average Platelet Volume), PDW (Platelet Volume Variability Index), PCT (Platelet Hematocrit), and P-LCR (Large Platelet Index).
Check: Why is it worth doing blood tests?
How to prepare for the test?
You do not need to prepare yourself for a complete blood count. First of all, it should be remembered that the test is usually performed on an empty stomach, which means that the last meal is best eaten approx. 8 hours before the sample is taken. You should also refrain from drinking coffee and tea. However, it is worth remembering to drink a glass of water in the morning, thanks to which the blood will have the appropriate density.
Remember that the general practitioner is not obliged to issue a referral for the examination if he or she does not see any medical grounds. A referral can be obtained if we have any disturbing symptoms or we have not performed a given test for a long time.
It is also worth not taking medications in the morning. Blood is collected for testing in the morning, preferably from a vein in the arm. If we perform regular morphology in order to e.g. control the progress of treatment, the examination should be performed at the same time of the day.
How to analyze the results of the morphology?
After receiving the results on the printout, we will see the values of individual indicators in comparison with the standard adopted in a given laboratory. Thanks to this, you can immediately see if we have cause for concern. Unfortunately, it is usually not known what these disorders are associated with and what they may result from.
Therefore, it should be remembered that in any case the results of the morphology should be consulted with a doctor.
What tests will allow us to assess the general state of our health? Find out what the Basic Profile is.
How much does a blood count cost?
Morphology is an important test used in the prevention and diagnosis of many diseases. Therefore, the test is free of charge and can be performed on the basis of a referral from a general practitioner. Such a referral is issued within the framework of primary health care, i.e. within the National Health Fund.
The morphology can be performed even several times a year, therefore the doctor is not obliged to issue us a referral. A referral for a free morphology can be obtained when we experience disturbing symptoms or we have not had this test ordered for a long time.
If we cannot count on performing a morphology under the NFZ insurance, we can perform such a test for a fee. In the case of morphology, it costs about PLN 9 (depending on the laboratory). If we care about the morphology with a smear, the price is slightly higher and amounts to PLN 13.
Where can the morphology be performed?
A referral for morphology is usually issued by a family doctor, and tests can be performed in our clinic. A prerequisite is the collection point. The clinic does not need to have its own laboratory, because the research material may also be transported there. If the clinic has its own laboratory, the results will be available much faster, which is important especially in the diagnosis of serious diseases, such as cancer.
Under the National Health Fund (NFZ) insurance, the morphology can also be performed in the hospital during the patient’s stay in the ward or in the hospital laboratory. While in hospital, the doctor may order us to perform a morphology. The material for examination is then collected directly in the ward where the patient is staying.
If we decide to perform the morphology for a fee, we must go to the appropriate point for this purpose. We do not need a referral for this. It is enough to properly prepare for the examination and arrive at the collection point on an empty stomach. During registration, you need to pay for the examination and go to the office indicated in the registration.
We can now also perform a paid morphology in every health care clinic. However, it is worth asking in advance at registration whether it is possible to perform the test for a fee.
Regardless of where the test is taken, results are usually available within 24 hours. Moreover, it is currently not necessary to receive the results in person. Some clinics have introduced the ability to check results online. This usually applies to large clinics that have their own website. Much faster we will get the results of the morphology on cito (urgent), and also commissioned in a private laboratory. It is good to know it when you care about time.
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