Which allows you to determine a general blood test. Complete blood count: norms, interpretation of the blood test and preparation for analysis

A general blood test, or as it is also abbreviated as CBC, is one of the basic studies that allows one to detect pathologies at the initial stage of development. Often, the absence of external manifestations is not a guarantee of absolute health. Only a blood test will allow you to determine your condition with maximum accuracy.

Deciphering the CBC analysis is the key to timely diagnosis of the disease and prescribing effective therapy. It is quite difficult for people who are far from medicine and various frightening terms to understand what their analysis means: is everything good or is it worth sounding the alarm. If you still have a long time before going to the doctor, and you have a transcript of the analysis in your hands, try to interpret it yourself, using our recommendation article.

Briefly about the analysis

The UAC analysis is often called the simplest. There is, of course, truth in this, but we should not forget that for all its apparent simplicity, this analysis is the most informational and covers the following “blood” parameters:

1. Red blood cell count
2. Hemoglobin level
3. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
4. Leukocytes and leukocyte formula
5. Hematocrit
6. Platelets
7. Biomaterial color
8. Lymphocytes

Each of these parameters is responsible for one or another function of the body; any failure in the system immediately affects the quality of the blood.

Of the huge range of studies, this analysis does not require careful and rigorous preparation. If possible, it is enough to donate blood on an empty stomach, provided that you are not a breastfeeding baby or a pregnant woman.

Blood for analysis is taken from a finger, and therefore there can be no talk of any serious blood loss.

Well, the best part is that you don’t have to wait painfully for several days for results. They are often ready by the evening of the same day you visit the laboratory.

All that remains is to correctly decipher the results and you can sleep peacefully.

Remember that you can only approximate whether your data meets medical standards. You should not diagnose yourself, much less prescribe treatment. Only your attending physician can clearly and competently interpret the results of the study.

As a rule, the doctor pays attention only to certain indicators. If something else confuses him, most likely, the patient will be sent for additional examination.

A clinical blood test is included in the list of mandatory tests prescribed to the patient at the first signs of illness.

What do your metrics mean?

Just a few years ago, the results were a form on which all your parameters were entered by the hand of a laboratory assistant. Today in medicine almost everything is automated, so you will receive the answer in the form of a large printout. It will indicate your values ​​and the reference ones. This will help you quickly determine how normal your tests are.

In such printouts, all indicators are indicated by terms in English. For example, the number of red blood cells - RBC. We offer you interpretations with the analysis of each serum component separately.

Red blood cell (RBC) rate

Erythrocytes are red blood cells that transport hemoglobin. Any disturbance in the functioning of these formed elements may indicate anemia. Red blood cells remove carbon dioxide from tissues, which is then removed through the lungs.

Red blood cells are always at the forefront of a blood test such as the CBC. This is due to the fact that these cells perform many other functions besides those listed above. If the qualitative or quantitative composition of red blood cells is disrupted, hemoglobin automatically drops.

Table 1

In children, the indicators of red blood cells in the blood are somewhat different than in adults.

Hemoglobin (HGB): function and norm

What is hemoglobin, perhaps, everyone knows. A very active protein that is responsible for transporting oxygen. When the level of hemoglobin in the body is disturbed, anemia occurs, which is fraught with serious consequences. But an increased level of hemoglobin may be a sign of dehydration or the number of red blood cells is much higher than normal.

The table below shows the average medical values ​​of hemoglobin levels in the blood of people of different ages.

Any deviation from the norm regarding hemoglobin requires additional monitoring. To do this, an additional examination is prescribed to study the reasons for the decrease or increase in hemoglobin levels.

Platelets (PLT)

Tests such as CBC pay a lot of attention to platelets. This is exactly the indicator that the doctor pays close attention to.

We have repeatedly said that platelets are blood cells in the form of elongated plates that are responsible for blood clotting. Changes in the levels of these serum components make you wary.

An increase in platelet levels may be a symptom of myeloid leukemia, serious inflammation, or a consequence of the postoperative period.

In men and women, the platelet count in the blood is the same.

White blood cells (WBC) and leukocyte formula

These white blood cells are considered to be the body's protectors against harmful viruses and bacteria. It is the increased level of leukocytes in the blood that is the first sign of a progressive inflammatory process. The sooner it is detected, the sooner action will be taken.

Numerous studies of leukocytes and their properties have shown that the main reasons for the increase and decrease in the level of leukocytes are:

• anemia
• loss of lymph;
• viral infections.

Table 2

Leukocytes act as litmus paper: as soon as the virus enters the body, white cells immediately react to the enemy.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

This indicator directly depends on the age and gender of the patient. It is by using the ESR that the doctor determines the presence of any pathological abnormalities.

• For men, the norm does not go beyond 2-19 mm/h
• For women - 2-15 mm/h

The norm for children is somewhat different from “adult” indicators.

An increase in ESR may be associated with the following factors:

• inflammatory processes
• infectious diseases
• manifestation of anemia
• malignant neoplasms

At the same time, an increased level of erythrocyte sedimentation is considered quite normal in pregnant women.

Not only red blood cells, platelets and leukocytes show the real state of the body. For example, the color indicator is considered leading in determining hypochromia, otherwise iron deficiency anemia.

In the table below you can see all the parameters combined together.

Modern technologies

Today, the medical industry is widely developed in terms of technology and computerization. New-fangled blood analyzers examine your biomaterial with maximum accuracy and produce an ideal transcript.

More and more sites are offering a service called online transcription. To do this, all you have to do is go online, type the required request and follow the instructions of the selected site.

However, it is important to understand that this painstaking work is best handled by a qualified specialist, to whom you will soon go for an appointment. Well, while there is time before the visit, and the excitement is eating away from the inside, enter your parameters into the online program and get a preliminary diagnosis.

In any case, you should never lose composure and calm. Even if your results are far from ideal, the doctor will prescribe a re-examination and select the necessary therapy.

Stay healthy and take a general blood test in a timely manner for prevention. After all, it is always easier to cure a small disease than its big brother.

Blood performs a transport function - it supplies cells with oxygen and other necessary substances, and takes away carbon dioxide and metabolic products. It includes plasma and formed elements, the ratio and quantity of which can tell a lot about the state of health.

Below we will describe in detail the indications and features of a general blood test - a table of norms in adults, a breakdown of the results and the meaning of deviations upward or downward.

Why is analysis needed?

A general clinical blood test is carried out to identify most pathologies of an infectious, inflammatory, or malignant nature.

It is used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment; it is a mandatory part of the examination when a patient is admitted to the hospital and during a preventive examination.

A general blood test is needed to determine the number of red blood cells, the concentration of hemoglobin in them and the sedimentation rate, the number and composition of leukocytes and platelets, the ratio of the amount of cellular and liquid components.

These indicators can tell a lot about the state of the body and help diagnose pathologies in the early stages.

Interpretation and norm of general blood test in adults

A general clinical blood test determines the level of the following elements:

• red blood cells and their average volume;
• hemoglobin;
• hematocrit;
• the average amount and percentage concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells;
• reticulocytes;
• anisocytosis of erythrocytes;
• platelets and their average volume;
• leukocytes;

The leukocyte formula is described in detail, including values ​​for six types of white blood cells: eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, band and segmented neutrophils.

Table 1. Normal results of a general clinical blood test

Indicator	Designation	Women	Men
Red blood cells (× 10 12 / l)	R.B.C.	3,7-4,7	4-5,1
Average red blood cell volume (fl or µm 3 )	MCV	81-99	80-94
Hemoglobin (g/l)	HGB	120-140	130-160
Avg. hemoglobin level in erythrocyte (pg)	MCH	27-31
Color indicator	CPU	0,9-1,1
Hematocrit (%)	HCT	36-42	40-48
Platelets (× 10 9 / l)	PLT	180-320
Avg. erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (%)	MCHC	33-37
Reticulocytes (%)	RET	0,5-1,2
Leukocytes (× 10 9 / l)	WBC	4-9
Avg. platelet volume (fl or µm 3 )	MPV	7-11
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/h)	ESR	2-10	2-15
Anisocytosis of erythrocytes (%)	RFV	11,5-14,5

Table 2. Leukocyte formula (normal)

Indicator		× 10 9 / l	%
Neutrophils	segmented	2,0-5,5	45-72
	stab	04-0,3	1-6
Basophils		up to 0.065	up to 1
Eosinophils		0,02-0,3	0,5-5
Lymphocytes		1,2-3,0	19-37
Monocytes		0,09-0,6	3-11

Red blood cells

Their increased content is detected during hypoxia, dehydration, heart defects, excess of steroid hormones and dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, erythremia.

Decreased - with anemia, acute blood loss, in the II-III trimester of pregnancy, chronic inflammation, as well as with bone marrow pathologies.

Hemoglobin

Many diseases are associated with disturbances in the volume and structure of hemoglobin. A decrease in its level is detected in anemia, bleeding, tumors, kidney damage, and bone marrow. An increase may indicate blood thickening due to dehydration, erythremia, or taking iron supplements.

Hematocrit

This indicator is the ratio of red blood cells and plasma; it is used to determine the degree of development of anemia. Hematocrit is high in dehydration, polycythemia, peritonitis, and extensive burns.

A decrease accompanies anemia, cancer, chronic inflammation, late pregnancy, fasting, chronic hyperazotemia, pathologies of the heart, blood vessels and kidneys.

The ratio of the amount of hemoglobin in one red blood cell to the normal value reflects the color (or color) indicator. Its decrease is detected in case of lead poisoning, anemia of pregnant women and iron deficiency anemia.

CP rises above normal with a deficiency of vitamins B12 and B9, gastric polyposis and cancer.

Anisocytosis of red blood cells

This is the presence in the blood of red blood cells of different diameters (mature - 7-8 microns, and microcytes - up to 6.7 microns), which indicates the development of anemia. Depending on their ratio, various pathological conditions are determined.

With iron deficiency anemia, lead poisoning, thalassemia, the level of microcytes is 30-50%, and with a lack of folic acid, diffuse liver damage, macrocytic anemia, alcoholism, metastases in the bone marrow, it exceeds 50%.

Platelets

These cells are responsible for blood clotting. Their number decreases in leukemia, AIDS and other viral diseases, some genetic pathologies, aplastic anemia, bone marrow lesions, bacterial infections, drug, chemical, and alcohol poisoning.

There are fewer platelets in the blood due to treatment with antibiotics, analgesics, estrogens, prednisolone, nitroglycerin, antiallergic drugs and vitamin K. An increase in the number of these cells is observed in the following cases:

• osteomyelitis;
• colitis;
• tuberculosis;
• erythremia;
• joint diseases;
• myelofibrosis;
• bleeding;
• cancerous tumors;
• cirrhosis;
• corticosteroid therapy;
• hemolytic anemia;
• after operations.

During pregnancy, menstruation, and the postpartum period, the rate at which red blood cells settle is higher than usual. This indicator is also high in diseases of the liver, kidneys, connective tissue, injuries, infectious pathologies in acute and chronic forms, inflammatory processes, anemia, poisoning and cancer.

A decrease in ESR occurs with impaired blood circulation, anaphylactic shock, heart and vascular diseases.

Average platelet volume

There are young and old platelets in the blood, the former are always larger, the latter decrease in size. Their lifespan is 10 days. The lower the MPV value, the fewer mature, aged platelets in the bloodstream, and vice versa. Deviations in the ratio of such cells of different ages help to diagnose many diseases.

An increase in MPV can be provoked by diabetes mellitus, thrombocytodystrophy, blood pathologies (systemic lupus), splenectomy, alcoholism, myeloid leukemia, vascular atherosclerosis, thalassemia (a genetic disorder of the structure of hemoglobin), May-Hegglin syndrome, posthemorrhagic anemia.

This indicator drops below normal due to radiation therapy, liver cirrhosis, anemia (plastic and megaloblastic), and Wiskot-Aldrich syndrome.

Leukocytes

Leukocytosis is an increase, and leukopenia is a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the plasma. White blood cells absorb pathogenic bacteria, viruses and other foreign objects, and produce antibodies that recognize pathogens. Leukocytosis can be physiological or pathological.

In the first case, the reasons for the increase are food intake, pregnancy and childbirth, premenstrual syndrome, physical activity and mental stress, hypothermia or overheating.

Among the pathologies, an increase in the WBC indicator can be caused by hypoxia, suppuration, severe blood loss, intoxication or allergies, blood diseases, burns, epilepsy, administration of the hormones insulin or adrenaline, and a malignant tumor.

Leukopenia occurs with radiation sickness, systemic lupus erythematosus, poisoning, liver cirrhosis, cancer metastases in the bone marrow, lymphogranulomatosis, functional nervous disorders, leukemia, acromegaly, bone marrow hypoplasia, due to the use of certain drugs.

The level of leukocytes also decreases in infectious and inflammatory pathologies - influenza, hepatitis, malaria, measles, colitis and others.

Features during pregnancy

In women expecting a child, the volume of blood circulating in the body increases, and the level of formed elements changes somewhat. During gestation, the study is carried out at least four times. Below is a table showing the norm of a general blood test during pregnancy.

Element	Trimesters
	I	II	III
Hemoglobin (g/l)	112-165	108-144	110-140
Leukocytes (×10 9 / l)	6-10,2	7,2-10,5	6,8-10,5
Red blood cells (×10 12 / l)	3,5-5,5	3,2-4,8	3,5-5,0
Platelets (×10 9 / l)	180-320		200-340
ESR (mm/h)	24	45	52
Color index (C.P.)	0,85-1,15

Indications for prescribing a general blood test

A general (clinical) blood test is indicated for diagnosis:

• anemia;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases;
• malignant tumors;
• functional states of the body;
• blood diseases and systemic pathologies.

It is necessary for regular monitoring of chronically ill people if complications arise during therapy and during a prolonged recovery. In healthy children and adults, a general blood examination should be performed once a year for preventive purposes.

Depending on which blood cell levels deviate from the norm, they speak of anemia, erythrocytosis, neutropenia, or other conditions.

How is a general blood test performed in adults?

A general blood test is carried out on an empty stomach in the morning, with the exception of emergency cases - heart attack, appendicitis and other emergency conditions.

Before taking the exam, you don’t need to smoke or be stressed, you can drink some clean water, and you shouldn’t drink alcohol 3-4 days before. On the day of the analysis, heavy physical activity should not be allowed.

For the study, capillary blood from the ring finger of the hand or venous blood taken from the ulnar vein is used - in this case, along with a general analysis, a study for infections, hormones and other indicators can be carried out.

• When taken from a finger, the first drop is removed with a cotton ball, and the next drops are taken for analysis. You should not rub or stretch your fingers before handing over - this can cause an increase in white blood cells and a change in other values.

"How to decipher a blood test?" - a question of this order can be vitally important 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 techniques, medications are effective, and the statistics of medical institutions are improving every day. Nevertheless, all treatment processes begin with the most important thing - a laboratory blood test. Correct diagnosis depends on the results of biochemical studies. This means that treatment will be prescribed in accordance with the actual 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 analysis of blood. The result of the blood test and transcript of laboratory data are sent to the doctor’s office in finished form from the computer. Mistakes happen rarely, but still no one is completely immune from them. And if the patient knows what a blood test means, what laboratory processes he undergoes, and most importantly, how it is deciphered, then there is nothing reprehensible in this. All data regarding clinical studies is available for review. This article contains information about basic laboratory techniques and answers the question of how to interpret a blood test.

The most important factor of life

Blood is the most important factor in the vital functions 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 body’s ability to resist the emergence and development of pathologies directly depends on the biochemical composition of this fluid. That is why, to diagnose the disease and subsequent treatment at the first stage, a blood test is necessary, the normal values ​​of which will allow you to avoid the use of unnecessary techniques. And alarming data will make it possible to take timely measures to prevent the disease.

Blood test 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 through laboratory tests. Some 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 a general scheme or according to a method using biochemical parameters. A 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. Reduced hemoglobin levels may be a consequence of anemia.
• Erythrocytes are red blood cells. They participate in the transport of oxygen and support the process of biological oxidation. The norm of red blood cells 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 leukocyte norm 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 leukocytes of different types.

• CP is a color indicator that determines the degree of presence of hemoglobin in erythrocytes:

Saturation rate - 0.86 - 1.04 units;

For hypochromic anemia - 0.8 units or less;

For hyperchromic anemia - 1.1 units or more;

When assessing CP, not only the number of red blood cells is taken into account, but also their volume.

• ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an indicator of pathological signs in the body:

For men, the ESR norm 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 changes in the specific gravity of red blood cells relative to the specific gravity of plasma. In their normal state, red blood cells slowly “drown” in the blood plasma. Precisely due to its specific gravity. During this period, red blood cells 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 of proteins in the blood in an acute form, the so-called markers, radically changes the picture. Red blood cells lose their negative charge and begin to aggregate, that is, stick together. The relative surface area of ​​each decreases, while the rate of subsidence increases accordingly. Its laboratory measurement is correlated with the ESR table, and thus the degree of pathology is determined.

Interpretation of clinical blood test

After receiving the results of a laboratory test, the question arises of how to decipher the blood test. For this purpose, hematological determinants are used, the range of which is 24 different parameters. Among them are the hemoglobin concentration, the number of leukocytes, the volume of erythrocytes, the average level of hemoglobin concentration in an erythrocyte, the average volume of platelets, the size distribution of erythrocytes and others.

Automatic decryption involves precise determination of the following parameters:

• WBC - white blood cells, leukocyte content in absolute values. The normal amount is 4.6 - 9.0 cells/l, necessary for recognizing and destroying foreign agents, stimulating the body's immunity, and eliminating dead cells.
• RBC - red blood cells, the content of erythrocytes in absolute value at a norm of 4.4 - 5.8 cells/l in elements that include hemoglobin, which is a transporter of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• HGB is the level of hemoglobin in the blood at a normal level of 133-174 g/l. The analysis is carried out using cyanide. Measurement is in moles or grams per liter.
• HCT is hematocrit, which determines the ratio of the volumes of blood elements in plasma: leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets.
• PLT - blood platelets, platelet content in absolute value at a norm of 151-401 cells/l.

Red blood cell indices

• MCHC is the hemoglobin concentration in the average value of the erythrocyte mass at a rate of 305-382 g/l. Determines the saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin. MCHC decreases in diseases accompanied by impaired hemoglobin synthesis. It is considered one of the most stable hematological indicators; it indexes shortcomings and instrument errors.
• MCH - shows hemoglobin concentration in average values ​​and in individual red blood cells with a normal range of 27 to 31 pg.
• MCV - determination of the average volume of red blood cells in cubic micrometer (µm) or in femtoliters (fl) with a norm 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 red blood cells.
• RDW - relative distribution of erythrocytes in width, their anisocytosis. Indicator of erythrocyte heterogeneity, calculated coefficient of average RBC volume.
• RDW-SD is the width of the total volume of red blood cells according to standard values.
• RDW-CV—variant coefficients of erythrocyte distribution width.
• ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate. A reliable indicator of nonspecific pathology.

Automated hematology analyzers also provide histograms for red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Platelet indices

• PCT - thrombocrit, normal content is 0.106 - 0.280, the volume occupied by platelets as a percentage.
• PDW is the relative width distribution of these cells. Determines the degree of their heterogeneity.
• MPV - platelet volume in average values ​​with a norm of 7 to 10 fl.

Platelets as a potential danger

Platelets in a healthy person perform a number of useful functions. One of them is protective in nature. If a vessel is damaged, platelets instantly accumulate at the point of the cut and form a blood clot, which 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 and folic acid deficiency. Anticipates the emergence of malignant cells and can be a precursor to myelofibrosis, sarcoma, leukemia, viral infection, Fanconi and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Increased concentrations accompany diseases such as tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, erythremia, rheumatism, and osteomyelitis. It is necessary to know how to decipher a blood test so that platelets are characterized first.

Leukocyte indices

• LYM% - lymphocyte content in relative values. At a rate of 25-40%.
• LYM# - number of lymphocytes in absolute values. 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 values ​​of mixed eosinophils, monocytes and basophils. The norm is 0.25-0.9 µl.
• NEUT% - relative concentration of neutrophils as a percentage.
• NEUT# - neutrophil content in absolute value.
• MON% - relative concentration of monocytes at a norm of 4-11%.
• MON# - the content of monocytes in absolute value at a norm of 0.15-0.65 10 9 cells/l.
• EO% - relative concentration of eosinophils as a percentage.
• EO# - eosinophil content in absolute value.
• IMM% - relative concentration of immature granulocytes as a percentage.
• IMM# is the absolute content of immature granulocytes.
• ATL% - relative concentration of atypical lymphocytes as a percentage.
• ATL# is the content of atypical lymphocytes in absolute terms.
• GR% - the number of granulocytes as a percentage with the norm being 47-72%.
• GR# is the content of granulocytes in absolute terms at a norm of 1.3-6.9 µl.

Interpretation of blood tests in children

A general blood test for children differs from an “adult” study only in numbers. But 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 data norms for different age categories.

Norms for newborns:

• CPU - 0.86-1.16.
• Hemoglobin 182-242.
• Basophils 0-1.
• Red blood cells 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.
• Red blood cells 3.7-5.3.

Interpretation of blood tests in children from 1 to 12 years old. Standards:

• Hemoglobin 100-150.
• CPU - 0.75-1.2.
• Red blood cells 3.7-5.2.
• Leukocytes 6-5.2.
• Lymphocytes 37-46.
• ESR - 4-12.
• Platelets 160-390.
• Basophils 0-1.

A children's clinical blood test, the interpretation of which can be done using a standard table, will help 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. The appropriate blood test table will help you reach the optimal decision. Before prescribing treatment, the doctor should, in severe cases, discuss the current situation with colleagues.

Biochemical blood test

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, but in most cases laboratory tests are carried out on six samples. 12 hours before blood sampling, the patient should not eat, 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 a red blood cell protein that transports oxygen. A decrease in its blood level may 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 - 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 body’s lack of tolerance to glucose. In any case, consultation with an endocrinologist 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.
• ALT - alanine aminotransferase, a liver enzyme. Analysis data characterize its functioning. The male norm is 42 units/l, the female norm is 32 units/l.
• AST is a cellular enzyme aspartate aminotransferase, found in internal organs. The norm is 31-42 units/l. An increased level of enzyme in 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 higher, then this is a warning about possible gastric diseases.
• Urea - average normal values ​​are 2.6-8.4 mmol per liter. If these numbers are exceeded, then kidney failure occurs. A urea content of 16-20 millimoles per liter is considered a moderate functional disorder. From 35 to 50 mmol/l is already a severe kidney pathology. Values ​​higher than 50 mmol/l are a very severe, life-threatening disease. Acute renal failure can be characterized by levels up to 83 mmol/l. A blood test and interpretation of normal and not quite normal values ​​may show slight deviations towards pathology. And this is a reason to repeat the study, since kidney disease is easier to prevent than to then spend months and years on conservative treatment.
• Creatinine is analyzed in combination with urea. This test is also an indicator of kidney function. The normal creatinine level is 44-106 millimoles per liter.
• Cholesterol is a natural organic compound, a lipophilic fatty alcohol that is present in the cell membranes of most animal organisms. Normal cholesterol levels are 3.5-7.9 mmol/l. If the blood test values ​​are higher, then there is a danger of atherosclerosis.
• Triglycerides are natural organic compounds, glycerol esters, monobasic fatty acids. Belong to the class of lipids. They are used in the body to perform energetic 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 detailed general blood test is more correctly called a general clinical blood test. Using this study, specialists can assess the condition of the body, the presence of abnormalities in its functioning and the dynamics of improvement or deterioration during treatment. Its timely implementation helps to prevent many diseases and diagnose them in the early stages.

When is a general clinical blood test necessary?

As a mandatory monitoring, a general clinical blood test is indicated during examination, even in the absence of complaints. Indications for the study are also:

• suspected anemia;
• monitoring;
• definitions;
• if development is suspected;
• checking the general state of body functions;
• diagnosis of blood diseases or pathologies of organ systems;
• with a history, to check the dynamics of the body’s condition;
• The study is carried out as a control of the treatment.

Video, Dr. Komarovsky: clinical blood test

How is a general blood test performed?

Blood for general clinical analysis is taken from a finger or from a vein. From a finger (usually the ring finger) is taken. When capillary blood is taken, the first drop that emerges after the puncture is wiped off with cotton wool. The rest goes into a test tube.

Taking blood from a finger

The ulnar vein is most often used to collect venous blood. During extended (venous) screening, blood is collected after the arm is pulled above the elbow with a tourniquet. To take the material, a syringe or a special tube with a needle is used.

Blood from a vein for analysis

Blood sampling for analysis should be carried out in special laboratories. With the exception of acute conditions and the urgent need for blood sampling, the study is performed on an empty stomach.

Video, Live healthy: leukocytes, white blood formula

General blood test indicators, normal

The results of a capillary or venous blood test can show the general condition of the patient, as well as clearly identify the area in which problems are developing. A detailed analysis of a specific set of blood parameters will give a detailed picture.

• The list of elements that are examined during this procedure includes:
• red blood cell level, average norm 3,7-5,1 *10 12 /l;
• average volume of red blood cells, average norm 80-99 µm 3;
• hemoglobin indicator, average norm 120-160 g/l;
• hematocrit indicator, average norm 36-48 %;
• color index (CI) – percentage concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells is normal 0,9-1,1 ;
• reticulocyte level, normal 0,5-1,2 %;
• anisocytosis of erythrocytes, normal 11,5-14,5 %;
• platelet level, normal 180-320 *10 9 /l;
• average platelet volume, normal 7-11 µm 3;
• leukocyte count, normal 4-9 *10 9 /l;
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), average norm 2-15 mm/h
• In addition, each component of the leukocyte formula is written down. It includes: eosinophils, monocytes, band cells, segmented cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils.

The deviation of each indicator from the normal level indicates the development of pathology.

• The interpretation of the capillary/venous blood analysis will vary depending on the individual condition, age and gender of the subject.

Video of what blood tests say

Diseases that a general blood test can show

A detailed analysis of several dozen blood parameters allows us to accurately determine at what point in the body the pathology develops. Based on the results of such a study, having determined the type, nature and degree of development of the disease, an exact course of treatment is prescribed.

Changes in red blood cell parameters

• An increased level of red blood cells may indicate heart disease, excessive amounts of steroids, developing hypoxia and other ailments.
• A decrease in this indicator in a blood test may indicate a decrease in the amount of blood, or bone marrow pathology.

Changes in hemoglobin levels

• Low hemoglobin in a general blood test can be due to anemia, the development of tumor processes, and progressive bone marrow lesions.
• Volumes in excess of the prescribed limit are possible with, erythremia or regular use of drugs aimed at replenishing.

Hematocrit and the diseases it shows

• Exceeding the hematocrit norm is observed during a critical decrease in fluid levels, peritonitis, and large-area burns.
• With a decrease, anemia is considered, during the course, etc.

What does the CPU say (color indicator)

• A decrease in the CP value below the normal limit indicates possible lead poisoning, the development of anemia during pregnancy, or anemia.
• Exceeding the established CP limit is noted in cases of suspected polyposis, diseases,

Anisocytosis, what does it show?

This is the condition of red blood cells and white blood cells when they change in size. Indicates that some pathological process is occurring in the body. May talk about bone marrow poisoning.

Video, Live healthy, read the tests: platelets

Why does a low platelet count occur?

• A platelet count below the established limit is a reason to check for leukemia, disease, abnormal levels, lesions in bone marrow tissue and other disorders.
• A decrease in volume beyond the indicated limits occurs due to anemia or as a result of

When does the platelet count increase?

• Exceeding the norm is possible with osteomyelitis, developing, incipient diseases, hidden or formations and others.
• An increase in the average platelet volume may indicate myeloid leukemia, actively developing vascular tissue, and others.

Deviation from the norm of ESR indicators, and reasons

• If in a completed general blood test the ESR is elevated, the subject may be developing or incipient, the condition of the connective tissues is disturbed, and illnesses or injuries are detected.
• If the ESR is reduced, then the body may have problems of another kind: disturbances in functioning, blood flow.
• A similar decrease is typical for.

Video, Live healthy: ESR, what your blood tells you

Why is there leukocytosis in the analysis, an increase in the level of leukocytes?

• Exceeding the normal level of leukocytes occurs with temperature changes (hypothermia/overheating), increased stress conditions or physical activity.
• An increase in the number of leukocytes provides grounds for examination for the presence of a process in the body, blood diseases, epilepsy, toxin poisoning, etc.

Why is there leukopenia in the analysis, a decrease in the level of leukocytes?

• If the level of leukocytes is low, with corresponding symptoms, prescribe an examination for, in bone marrow tissue, nervous disorders at the functional level, plus diseases.

Blood test interpretation is carried out only by a qualified specialist. Based on the data obtained, a diagnosis is made and a course of treatment is developed.

Video, general blood test, normal indicators

General blood test, interpretation, norm, table

Based on the results of an analysis of blood taken from a vein, it is possible to obtain data on the cellular and composition of the blood. This is a comprehensive blood test that is very important for diagnosis. In addition to this:

• By superimposing the results of a general analysis of venous blood on an analysis of capillary blood, you can get a detailed picture of the patient’s condition.

It is easiest to understand the list of norms and the designation of general blood test indicators when they are summarized in a table:

Red blood cells, hematocrit

Indicators	Abbreviation in the form	In women	In men
Red blood cell level (× 10 12 /l)	R.B.C.	3,7-4,7	4-5,1
Wed. red blood cell volume (µm 3)	MCV	81-99	80-94
Hemoglobin level (g/l)	HGB	120-140	130-160
Wed. hemoglobin in red blood cells (pg)	MCH	27-31
CPU	CPU	0,9-1,1
Hematocrit (%)	HCT	36-42	40-48
Platelets (× 10 9 /l)	PLT	180-320
Avg. erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (%)	MCHC	33-37
Reticulocytes (%)	RET	0,5-1,2
Leukocytes (× 10 9 /l)	WBC	4-9
Wed. platelet volume (µm 3)	MPV	7-11
ESR (mm/h)	ESR	2-10	2-15
Anisocytosis of erythrocytes (%)	RFV	11,5-14,5

Leukocyte formula

Video, Live healthy: anemia, how to treat anemia

Norm of red blood cells by age

Norm of leukocytes by age

Hemoglobin norm by age

Age group	Sex group	Share, g/l
1-2 weeks		134 — 198
up to a year		94 — 141
1-12 years		100 — 150
12-15 years	and	115 — 150
	m	120 — 160
15-18 years old	and	117 — 153
	m	117 — 166
18-45 years old	and	117 — 155
	m	132 — 173
45-65 years	and	117 — 160
	m	131 — 172
after 65 years	and	120 — 161
	m	126 – 174

Video on how to quickly increase hemoglobin levels in the blood

Normal hematocrit by age

Lymphocyte norms by age

Video, Live healthy: lymphocytes are traitors, how to neutralize them

Neutrophil norm by age

Blood basophils

Platelets

Monocytes

ESR

Other indicators

CPU

0,9-1,1

Features during pregnancy

Video: is it possible to get tested during menstruation?

General Blood Test – this is one of the most common examination methods, which allows the doctor to find out the causes of some symptoms (for example, weakness, dizziness, fever, etc.), as well as to identify some diseases of the blood and other organs. To perform a general blood test, capillary blood is usually taken from a finger. A general blood test does not require any special preparation, however, it is recommended to take blood for this examination in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Why is OAC performed?

A general blood test is an examination that helps determine the following basic human blood parameters:

• The number of erythrocytes (red blood cells).
• Hemoglobin level- the amount of a special substance that is contained in red blood cells and is responsible for the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to other organs.
• Total white blood cell count(white blood cells) and leukocyte formula(the number of different forms of leukocytes expressed as a percentage).
• Platelet count(blood plates that are responsible for stopping bleeding when a vessel is damaged).
• Hematocrit is the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the volume of blood plasma (blood plasma is the part of the blood devoid of cells).
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube, allowing us to judge some of the properties of blood.

Each of these parameters can say a lot about a person’s health status, as well as indicate possible diseases

How is OAC carried out?

A general blood test does not require special preparation. As a rule, the analysis is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach (or 3-4 hours after eating). Blood for general analysis is taken from a finger (usually the ring finger) using a special sterile instrument - a scarifier. With a quick movement of the hand, the doctor makes a small puncture in the skin of the finger, from which a drop of blood soon appears. The blood is collected using a small pipette into a vessel that resembles a thin tube. Less commonly, blood for a general blood test is taken from a vein.
The obtained blood is subjected to several studies: counting the number of blood cells using a microscope, measuring hemoglobin levels, and determining ESR.

The interpretation of the general blood test is carried out by the attending physician, but you can evaluate the main blood parameters yourself.

Decoding UAC.

Deciphering a general blood test is carried out in several stages, during which the main blood parameters are assessed. Modern laboratories are equipped with equipment that automatically determines basic blood parameters. Such equipment usually produces analysis results in the form of a printout, in which the main blood parameters are indicated by abbreviations in English.

Red blood cells:

Hemoglobin:

Hematocrit:

Red blood cells distribution width:

Average red blood cell volume:

Average hemoglobin concentration in a red blood cell:

Platelet count:

White blood cell count:

Granulocyte count:

Monocyte count:

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate:

At the same time, some laboratories indicate other standards in the test results, which is due to the presence of several methods for calculating indicators. In such cases, the interpretation of the results of a general blood test is carried out according to specified standards.

P.S. When you click on any of the pictures, the text becomes more readable.

P.S.S.

Red blood cells and their significance in analyzes Red blood cells and their significance in tests. ESR.

Leukocytes and their values ​​in analyzes