Hematological Measurements

Hematology    

      Hematology is the study of blood and blood disorders. Hematology tests include tests on the blood, blood proteins and blood producing organs.

       Hematological tests can help diagnose Anemia, Infection, Hemophilia, Blood-clotting

disorders and Leukemia.

      The components of human blood include:

                    * Plasma - This is the liquid component of blood in which the following blood cells are suspended.

                    * Red blood cells (Erythrocytes) - These carry oxygen from the lings to the rest of the body.

                    * White blood cells (Leukocytes) - These help fight infections and aid in the immune process. Types of white blood cells include the following: 

                                  1. Lymphocytes

                                  2. Monocytes

                                  3. Eosinophils

                                  4. Basophils

                                  5. Neutrophils

                      * Platelets (Thrombocytes) - These help to control bleeding.

          Blood cells are made in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft, spongy material in the center of the bones that produces about 95% of the body's blood cells. Most of the  adult body's bone marrow is in the pelvic bones, breast bone and the bones of the spine.

           There are other organs and systems in our bodies that help regulate blood cells. the lymph nodes, spleen and liver help regulate the production, destruction and differentiation

of cells. The production and development of new cells is a process called hematopoiesis.

       Blood cells formed in the bonne marrow start out as a stem cell. A stem cell (or hematopoietic stem cell) is the initial phase of all blood cells. As the stem cell matures, several distinct cells evolve, such as the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Immature blood cells are also called blasts. Some blasts stay in the marrow to other parts of the body to develop into mature, functioning blood cells. 

    Full blood count (FBC) testing:

           Full blood count or FBC testing, also known as a complete blood cell count (CBC) is a routine test that evaluates three major components found in the blood: white blood cells

(WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets.

          A complete blood cell count is a measurement of size, number and maturity of the different blood cells in a specific volume of blood. A complete blood cell count can be used to determine many abnormalities with either the production or destruction of blood cells. Variations from the normal number, size or maturity of the blood cells can be used to indicate an infection or disease process. Often with an infection, the number of white blood cells will be elevated. Many forms of cancer can affect the bone marrow production of blood cells in a complete blood cell count can be associated with leukemia. Anemia and sickle cell disease will have abnormally low hemoglobin.

          There are many reasons for FBC testing, but common reasons include infection, anemia and certain cancers of the blood. FBC testing is pretty simple takes just a few minutes. A nurse or lab tech will take a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm.

  Complete blood count test (CBC):

        A CBC measures several components and features of your blood. A CBC and its individual components are tested on whole blood. It can include measurements of the 

following:

       1.Red blood cells (Erythrocytes-RBCs): 

             The primary function of red blood cells or  erythrocytes, is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues and carbon dioxide as a waste product away from the tissues and back to the lungs. If your RBC count is too low, you may have anemia or another condition. The normal range for men is 5 - 6 million cells/mcL; for women, it's 4 - 5 millions cells/mcL.

        RBC are responsible for the transport and exchange of oxygen. Measurement of RBCs is important in monitoring the effects of blood loss and the progression of chronic disease. Normal counts of RBCs are 39,00,000 - 58,00,000 per mm³ of blood. 

   RBC values are increased in those with anxiety or stress, bone marrow failure and dehydration. A decreased RBC value will be found in those with chronic inflammatory diseases, chemotherapy patients, anemia, blood loss and many cancers.

 In addition to a count of WBCs and RBCs, a complete blood count can include further tests to evaluate the size, weight and shape of those cells. These more detailed tests are helpful in diagnosing and monitoring therapy for cancer and anemic patients.

  

      Hemoglobin (Hb): Hemoglobin is an important protein in the blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of our body. The normal range for men is 14 - 17 gm/dL; for women it's 12 - 15 gm/dL.

      Hematocrit: 

           The proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component or plasma, in the blood. In other words, how much of your blood is red blood cells. A high score could mean you're dehydrated or have another condition. The normal range for men is between 41% and 50%. For women, the range is between 36% and 44%.

   

   Mean corpuscular volume(MCV): 

         

         This is the average size of your red blood cells. If they're bigger than normal, your MCV score goes up. That could indicate low vitamin B12 or folate levels. If your red blood cells are smaller, you could have a type of anemia e.g. iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. A normal range MCV score is 80 - 95 femtoliters

 

    Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): 

          Which is the amount of hemoglobin per blood cell. The MCH should be 27 - 33 picograms per cell. A low MCH value typically indicates the presence of iron deficiency anemia. In more rare cases, low MCH can be caused by a genetic condition called thalassemia. High MCH value can often be caused by anemia due to a deficiency of B vitamins, particularly b-12 and folate.

  Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): 

            Which is the amount of hemoglobin relative to the size of the cell or hemoglobin concentration per blood cell. The  MCHC should be 33.4 - 35.5 grams per deciliter. The most common cause of low MCHC is anemia. Hypochromic microcytic anemia commonly results in low MCHC. This condition means your red blood cells are smaller than usual and have a decreased level of hemoglobin. When the MCHC is high, the red cells are refered to as being hyperchromic. 

         

         2.White blood cells (WBC)

                 WBC make up the body's primary defense system and knowing their number is an important tool in diagnosing and monitoring infection and leukemic disorders. A normal WBC level is 4500 - 11000 per mm³ of blood. 

        Increased WBC levels are most notably found in those with any type of infection, but are also found in anemia, collagen disorders and those with physiologic stress, such as pregnancy. Low WBC levels are seen in malnutrition, rheumatic disorders like lupus, arthritis, some viral infections and those undergoing or other forms of bone marrow suppression.