When you go to the nearest health institution for any complaint, your doctor will ask you for some tests. Sometimes, even as a precaution, some tests may be requested. One of the most common among these is the hemogram test, also known as the complete blood count. Hemogram is one of the most frequently applied tests to patients.
With the hemogram test, the cells in our blood are examined in all details. Changes in these cells can be a sign of some diseases that may occur in the future, as well as showing many existing diseases. So the consequences should be taken quite seriously. Let’s examine in all details what is a hemogram test, also known as a complete blood count.
What is a hemogram, also known as a complete blood count?
A hemogram is a blood test. It gives information about the general health status of the person. With the hemogram, known as the complete blood count, many features, especially the number of different cell groups in the blood, are examined and the results are evaluated and the existing diseases of the person and the diseases that may occur in the future are determined.
What is a hemogram, one of the most frequently applied tests, used for?
- In persistent bruising and bleeding
- If weakness, fatigue and similar symptoms have become chronic
- If blood pressure problems have become chronic
- If symptoms such as vomiting, high fever, nausea are intense
- If joint pain has become chronic
- In case of infection and inflammation
- Suspicion of blood cancer and other types of cancer
- Bone marrow problems
- Anemia is suspected
- Suspected autoimmune disorder
This is generally the case when a complete blood count, that is, a hemogram test, is done. In fact, the physician does not necessarily have to suspect a disease in order to perform a hemogram test. Because it is easy to perform and the results are comprehensive, a hemogram test may be requested to evaluate the general health status. So if you’re going to give this kind of blood test, you don’t have to worry right away.
How is an easy hemogram test done?
The hemogram test is performed by taking blood from your arm, which is the classical method. If different tests will not be done together, the person does not need to be hungry, but your doctor will tell you. The results of the hemogram test are generally released on the same day, but of course, this time may vary depending on the institution that conducts the examination.
OK, what does the hemogram test show, what values are checked?
- The number of red blood cells represented by the abbreviation RBC
- Hemoglobin, abbreviated HGB
- The hematocrit, abbreviated as HCT
- Red blood cell indices denoted by the abbreviations MCV, RDW, MCH, MCHC
- Platelet count with the abbreviation PLT
- The white blood cell count with the abbreviation WBC
The blood taken for the hemogram test is broken down to reveal the cells, and by applying different processes such as dilution, the characteristics of the cells in our blood are revealed. Today, most of these processes are carried out by automated devices. As a result of the hemogram test, it is seen whether these values are normal or not.
What should the values in the hemogram test results be, what does it mean?
- Red blood cell count
- Mean erythrocyte volume
- Hemoglobin
- hematocrit
- Mean erythrocyte distribution width
- Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin
- Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration
- white blood cell count
- Platelet count
Red blood cell count:
The ideal value of the red blood cell, ie erythrocyte, represented by the abbreviation RBC, should be between 3.8 and 5.3 million / ml. The main task of this cell is to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. This value increases in smokers, those who live at high altitudes, and those who do heavy exercise. In cases such as blood loss, anemia and pregnancy, the RBC value decreases.
Mean erythrocyte volume:
The ideal value of the mean erythrocyte volume denoted by the abbreviation WCV should be between 80 and 100 fl. While the erythrocyte volume decreases in anemia due to iron deficiency or thalassemia disease, the erythrocyte volume is larger in anemia due to folic acid and B12 deficiency.
Hemoglobin:
Hemoglobin, abbreviated as Hb, is a molecule found inside red blood cells. The ideal hemoglobin value is between 11.7 and 15.5 g / dL, but according to the World Health Organization, if it is below 13 g / dL in men and 12 g / dL in women, it is a sign of anemia.
Hematocrit:
The mean erythrocyte volume, represented by the abbreviation MCV, is multiplied by the number of erythrocytes, represented by the abbreviation RBC, to obtain the hematocrit value, denoted by the abbreviation Hct. The ideal hematocrit value should be between 35 and 45 percent.
Mean erythrocyte distribution width:
The mean value of erythrocyte distribution width, indicated by the abbreviation RDW, is considered normal between 11.9 and 15.5 in women and between 11.6 and 14.6 in men. An increase in RDW value is observed in anemia due to iron deficiency.
Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin:
The mean value of erythrocyte hemoglobin, denoted by the abbreviation MCH, is considered normal between 30 and 34 picograms. The MCH value, which shows the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells, decreases in anemia due to iron deficiency.
Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration:
The ideal value of the mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration, denoted by the abbreviation MCHD, should be between 30 and 36 percent. It is calculated by dividing the hemoglobin value with the abbreviation Hb by the hematocrit value with the abbreviation Hct. It rises when the structure of the red blood cell is disrupted.
White blood cell count:
The value of the white blood cell count, denoted by the abbreviation WBC, is considered normal between 4400 and 11000 mm3. While white blood cells, which are the most important soldiers of our body’s defense mechanism, increase in leukemia, lymphoma and infectious diseases, they decrease in diseases such as AIDS.
Platelet count:
The platelet count, indicated by the abbreviation PLT, is considered normal between 150000 and 400000 ml. The number of platelets, which is the smallest cell in the blood circulation, can be even 600000 ml temporarily in situations such as stress, exercise, trauma and infection, but if this situation becomes permanent, some diseases are suspected.
We answered questions such as what is a complete blood count test, that is, what is a hemogram, and how many should it be, which reveals all the features of the cells in our blood. What we describe is for informational purposes only. Remember that as with all health issues, you should get the most accurate and specific information about hemogram from a specialist physician.
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