A hemogram , also called a Complete Blood Count or CBC, is a study that evaluates the amounts and concentrations of each cellular element in the blood: red blood cells, hemoglobin, leukocytes, etc.
This test is used to make diagnoses through the analysis of a blood sample normally taken from a vein in the arm, and together with the biochemical analysis it is one of the most requested. The biochemical analysis focuses on the chemicals concentrated in the blood such as potassium, cholesterol, calcium or iron while the hemogram collects information about the cellular elements that make up the blood.
At FastlyHealwe explain what the blood count is and what it is for, along with some keys to interpret it.
Table of Contents
What information do we find in a blood count?
In the results of a hemogram we can inform ourselves about the amount and indices of:
- Red blood cells , also called red blood cells . It is an essential cellular element and its main function is to transport oxygen to the different tissues of the body.
- Hemoglobin . It is a protein that is found in red blood cells and that is reduced and raised in proportion to them. It is responsible for transporting oxygen and contains iron.
- Hematocrit . When we talk about hematocrit, we refer to the percentage of red blood cells or red blood cells with respect to the total volume of blood.
- Leukocytes, also called white blood cells . They are a varied set of blood cells responsible for giving an immune response, commonly known as the body’s defenses. They are found throughout the body, not just in the blood.
- Platelets . Although not all blood counts contain this information by default, sometimes the number of platelets is also indicated, an essential element for blood clotting in cases where the body has to plug a wound. You can always expressly request that the blood count include data on platelets.
Reference values
In order to interpret the correct meaning of a blood count, the advice of a doctor is always necessary. However, here are some keys to know the values considered normal for each cell element or index:
Red blood cells or red blood cells
In the case of women, they are between 4 and 5.5 million per microliter. In contrast, the number of red blood cells in men is in a range between 4.5 and 6 million per microliter. There may be a decrease in red blood cells due to hemorrhage, among other causes, which would lead with a high probability to anemia. If the level of red blood cells is too high it is called polyglobulin.
In our articles Low RBCs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment , and High RBCs: Causes , we take an in-depth look at alterations in their count.
Hemoglobin
As far as hemoglobin protein is concerned, the amounts that are within normal limits for women are 11.5 to 14.5 g / dL. For men, hemoglobin will be within normal range between 13.5 and 16 g / dL. If these values are altered it is important to discover the causes of low hemoglobin or high hemoglobin .
Hematocrit
The percentage of red blood cells with respect to the total blood volume is usually between 37-47% in women and 40-54% in men.
Leukocytes or white blood cells
They tend to range from 4.8 to 10.5 million per microliter in adults. An alteration in the number of leukocytes can be a sign of leukemia, among other reasons. In our article causes of high white blood cells we address the most common reasons for this condition.
Platelets
The normal amount is 150,000 to 400,000 per microliter. A decrease in platelets can indicate the presence of conditions such as dengue, chikungunya or the Zika virus, in addition to other health conditions related to clotting or different diseases. On the other hand, high platelets can be due to pathologies such as gray platelet syndrome or thrombocytosis.
If any of the hemogram values are lower or higher than the indicated mean, it is important to consult with a hematologist or your doctor to determine the cause and relevance of that condition.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Hemogram: what it is and what it is for , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.