HEMOGRAM

 

Any other names for this test?

This test is also called a "complete blood count" or "complete hemogram."
 

What is a hemogram?

A hemogram is a wide screening panel that screens for the presence of illnesses and infections in the body. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are the three main blood components that are measured by hemograms.
 

What is a hemogram test?

A hemogram test is a blood test that provides information on a person's general health and any disorder that may be present. The test determines the number and quantity of cells in the blood.
 

• This test helps in detecting many diseases, such as
• Infection 
• Inflammation
• Leukemia and other cancers
• Anemia
• Autoimmune illnesses
• Bone marrow conditions
• Thalassemia, such as Mediterranean anemia

What does a hemogram test measure?

This test measures

• Red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen,
• White blood cells that fight infection
• Platelets, which aid blood in clotting,
• Hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in red blood cells
• Hematocrit is the number of red blood cells present in the blood.

 

What is the purpose of this test?

 
A hemogram test checks for increases and decreases in the cell count. The rise and fall in the cells might be a sign of several other diseases that call for more testing. The test helps detect even the slightest abnormality present in the blood and shows necessary details regarding medical causes.

Why is a hemogram test done?

This test is common to perform due to many reasons, such as:
 

• To examine general health: A complete blood count can be part of a medical examination to check general health and look for diseases like anemia or leukemia.
• To identify a medical condition: A complete blood count can assist in the diagnosis of symptoms such as weakness, exhaustion, and fever. It can also help with the diagnosis of swelling, discomfort, bruising, or bleeding.
• To examine one's health: A complete blood count can help in monitoring conditions that impact blood cell counts.
• To inquire about medical treatment: A complete blood count can be used to monitor the effects of radiation and medications that impact blood cell counts.

Book a hemogram test if you want to examine any of these conditions.  

Why do doctors request a hemogram test?

 
If a doctor doubts a health issue that a routine physical examination cannot find, they may request the Hemogram blood test to get results outside the annual checkup. It might be ordered to see how much blood has been lost from internal bleeding, to check for an infection, or to manage radiation and drug regimens for cancer treatments, are a few reasons.
It is also used to screen patients who are going to have surgery. The first CBC is used as a pre-surgery baseline set of values to compare with post-surgery values to track recovery.
 

How do I prepare for a hemogram test?

This test requires no special preparation. Ask your healthcare provider if you should fast. Make sure to inform your healthcare professional if you have any of the factors mentioned below. These factors might affect the test results.
 

• Pregnancy 
• Certain medications like diuretics, antibiotics, steroids, etc.
• Some kinds of allergies
• High triglyceride level
• Smoking
• Stress
• Vigorous exercise

 

What happens during hemogram test?

 
A hemogram is a blood test for which a blood sample is required. Using a tiny needle, your healthcare professional will collect the blood sample from a vein in your hand. Afterward, the blood in the needle is placed into a test container for testing. You may experience a little discomfort because of the needle.
 

How long does this test take?

 
A blood test only takes five minutes to get done. However, your healthcare professional might take a few seconds to detect the vein in your hand.
 

What happens after a hemogram test?

 
Your healthcare provider will bandage the area where the needle went to stop the bleeding.
 

Any risks to this test?

 
No harmful risk is not associated with a hemogram test. However, due to the needle's in and out motion, you may experience minor pain and bruise in that area. The symptoms will go away in two or three days.
 

What does the result mean?

These are usual hemogram test results for adults. The test is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL).
 

Red blood cell count

• Men have 4.35 to 5.65 trillion cells per liter.
• Women: 3.92 trillion to 5.13 trillion cells per liter

Hemoglobin

 

• Men: 13.2–16.6 grams/dL (132–166 grams/L)
• Women: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL (116 to 150 grams/L)

 

Hematocrit

 

• Men: 38.3 percent to 48.6 percent
• Women: 35.5 percent–44.9 percent

 

 White blood cells

  

• 3.4 billion to 9.6 billion cells/L

Platelets

 

• Men: 135 billion to 317 billion lbs.
• Women: 157 billion to 371 billions/L

 
If you have any questions regarding your results, ask your doctor online.
 

What do the results indicate?

If your results are below or above the normal range, this might cause several problems. The results of these three tests are identical because they each determine a red blood cell feature.
 

Red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit:

Lower readings in these three components are a sign of anemia. Anemia can have many different causes. Blood loss, low iron or vitamin levels, other medical issues, or other factors are a few examples. Patients with anemia could feel weak or tired. These symptoms could be caused by anemia or by another factor.
 
Erythrocytosis refers to an abnormally high red blood cell count. High levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit or red blood cells could indicate a medical problem like blood cancer or heart disease.

White blood cell count:

 
The low level of white blood cells might indicate leukopenia. An autoimmune illness that damages white blood cells, cancer, or bone marrow problems may be the cause.
 
White blood cell counts over usual are frequently indicators of illness or inflammation. It might also be a sign of an immune system disorder. High levels of white blood cells might also result from certain medications and intense exercise.

Platelet count:

 
If the platelet count is below the normal range, it might be a sign of thrombocytopenia. If your platelet count is higher than usual, it is a sign of thrombolytics.
It could be a sign of a disease or a drug side effect. A platelet count that is outside the normal range might require another test to determine the cause.