HEMOGRAM

The Complete Hemogram test measures several components of the blood, including: 

• White Blood Cells count: The total number of white blood cells in a sample of blood.  
• White Blood Cell Differential: There are five different types of white blood cells, also called leukocytes. They are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. This test measures how many of each type the blood has. The numbers of each type may temporarily shift higher or lower in cases such as 
  • An infection can stimulate the body to produce a higher number of neutrophils to fight off bacterial infection.  
  • In the case of allergies, there may be an increased number of eosinophils.  
  • An increased number of lymphocytes may be produced with a viral infection.  
• Red blood cell (RBC) count: The actual number of red blood cells, also called erythrocytes, in a sample of blood. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream as they mature. The bone marrow continually produces new RBCs to replace those that age and disintegrate or are lost through bleeding. 
• Haemoglobin: The total amount of the oxygen-carrying protein in the blood. 
• Hematocrit: The percentage of a person's total blood volume that consists of red blood cells. 
• Red blood cell indices: Calculations that provide information on the physical characteristics of the RBCs: 
  • Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): Measurement of the average size of a single red blood cell. 
  • Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH): A calculation of the average amount of haemoglobin inside a single red blood cell. 
  • Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC): A calculation of the average concentration of haemoglobin inside a single red blood cell. 
  • Red cell distribution width (RDW): A calculation of the variation in the size of RBCs. 
• Reticulocyte count: A measurement of the absolute count or percentage of young red blood cells in the blood. 
• Platelet count: The number of platelets, also called thrombocytes, in a person's sample of blood. Platelets are special cell fragments that play an important role in normal blood clotting.  
• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): Mean platelet volume measures the average amount (volume) of platelets. If the platelet count is normal, the mean platelet volume can still be too high or too low.

The Complete Hemogram test also measures Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). The lab professionals note how fast red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, sink at the bottom of the test tube that contains the blood sample.  

The Complete Hemogram test is used to 

• Evaluate overall health 
• Screen for a variety of disorders e.g. anaemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorders, blood cancer 
• Check the bone marrow and spleen functioning 
• Monitor an existing condition e.g. blood disorders 
• Monitor treatment that is known to affect blood cells, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy 

The Complete Hemogram test is also recommended for people who experience an inflammatory condition related to diseases such as arthritis, or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These people experience symptoms such as:  

• Joint pain or stiffness especially in the morning. This could last a good 30 minutes.  
• Weight loss that was not intended 
• Headaches 
• Pain in the pelvis, shoulders, or neck 
• Fever 
• Digestive irregularities such as diarrhoea, or blood in the stool. 

The Complete Hemogram does not require any special test preparation. A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm. 

The Complete Hemogram test is a safe, standard test and there are minimal risks involved such as 

• Bleeding 
• Light headedness 
• Infection 
• Bruising 

The Complete Hemogram test is not a definitive diagnostic test. Specialised tests are needed to diagnose a specific condition.  

Common terms used to describe Complete Blood Count (CBC) results are: 

• Anaemia - not having enough healthy Red Blood Cells, Haemoglobin, and Hematocrit. Anaemia causes fatigue, weakness and has many causes, including low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or an underlying condition. 
• Leukopenia - a low number of White Blood Cells. It is caused by a medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems, or cancer. Certain medications also can cause white blood cell counts to drop. 
• Leukocytosis – an increased number of White Blood Cells. It may be due to an infection or inflammation or due to a reaction to medication. 
• Thrombocytopenia – a low number of platelets. Often a sign of an underlying medical condition or a side effect from medication. 
• Thrombocytosis – an increased number of platelets. Often a sign of an underlying medical condition or a side effect from medication. 

ESR test results are measured in millimetres per hour (mm/hr). The higher the number, the higher the likelihood of inflammation. Overall, females naturally have higher ESR levels. 

Elevated ESR levels can be caused due to conditions such as  

• Infections 
• Autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis 
• Anaemia 
• Kidney or thyroid disease 
• Certain types of cancer 
• Tissue injury or trauma 

Lower than expected levels of ESR may be caused by conditions such as:  

• RBC disorders 
• Heart failure 
• Certain liver and kidney problems