Complete blood count is the most frequently ordered laboratory test. This is due to the fact that it can be used to assess the performance of the patient's fluid connective tissue and draw primary conclusions regarding the state of his he alth.
The composition of human blood is represented by more than one hundred components. At the same time, several are clinically significant, it is their assessment that makes it possible to suspect the presence of a particular disease in a patient.
It is rather difficult to decipher a complete blood count in an adult, since a deviation from the norm of one or another indicator may indicate the development of many pathological processes. Initially, the doctor reviews the results of the study, and then, based on them, may prescribe the passage of more specific tests.
The following describes how to decrypta general blood test in an adult, in addition, information is provided on which indicators are clinically significant. But it is important to understand that the information is purely for reference. In the presence of deviations from the norm, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Only a specialist will be able to correctly interpret the complete blood count in adults.
Leukocytes
These are cells related to the human immune system. Their main task is to protect the body from the negative effects of pathogenic microorganisms and destroy them.
There are several types of leukocyte cells. These include: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Each of them performs certain tasks. Some are responsible for detecting foreign agents, others distribute cells according to the “friends and foes” principle, others are necessary for transmitting information to young leukocytes (this is necessary for the formation of immune memory), etc. Monocytes are of particular importance. They are designed to absorb and then dissolve foreign agents.
Despite the fact that there are several types of cells related to the immune system, when deciphering the results of a complete blood test in adults, doctors also evaluate the total white blood cell count.
The norm of their content in liquid connective tissue for both sexes is from 4 to 9%. If in the general blood test the norms in adult women and men are exceeded, this means that there are more immune cells in the body. On the one hand, this speaks ofthat a pathological process is developing, on the other hand, this is a good sign, since the protective resources that fight the disease are activated to the maximum.
If leukocytes are increased by 2-3 times in the results of a general blood test in adults, this may indicate the progression of the following diseases and the presence of conditions:
- Bacterial infection.
- Intoxication.
- Acute inflammatory process.
- Myocardial infarction.
- Bleeding.
- Shock.
- Sepsis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Metastasis of a malignant neoplasm localized in the bone marrow.
- Allergic reaction (including to medicines).
- Diseases of the digestive system.
- Pathologies of the thyroid gland.
- Disturbances in the spleen.
- Flu.
- Hepatitis C.
- Illnesses that can only be contracted once (e.g. measles, rubella, chickenpox).
A slight upward deviation from generally accepted values (less than 2 times) is associated with natural physiological processes and is not an alarming sign. But if leukocytes are significantly increased in the general blood test of an adult woman or man, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of all immune cells. If disease is the cause of the deviation, their growth proportions will be disturbed.
Decreased leukocytes cause doctors more concern. This is due to the fact that this condition always indicates the presence of pathology in the body.patient.
The main reasons for the decrease in the total level of leukocytes:
- Deficiency of substances necessary for the formation of young cells.
- Oncological diseases.
- Infectious pathologies.
- Intoxication process.
- Infection of a bacterial nature.
- Severe forms of hepatitis or flu.
- Bone marrow dysfunction.
It is worth noting that a slight deviation from the norm is also not a cause for panic. If the leukocytes are reduced, for example, by 2 times, it is already necessary to consult a doctor and undergo additional, more specific tests.
Lymphocytes
These are the cells of the defense system, the main task of which is the formation of a protective reaction to any stimuli. At the same time, they fight not with external, but with internal affected cells, for example, cancerous, mutating, viral, etc.
In its original form, this type of leukocytes stays for about 2 days. Then the glands of the body distribute them into the following types:
- T-lymphocytes. They can also be helpers, killers, and suppressors.
- B-lymphocytes. Responsible for the formation of immune memory and resistance.
- NK-lymphocytes. Designed to eliminate their own affected cells.
If adult CBC results indicate that lymphocytes are in the range of 18 to 40%, this is normal.
Reason for increase:
- Presence of infectious or inflammatoryprocesses.
- Progression of pathologies of bacterial or viral etiology.
- Transition to the recovery stage.
- The presence of a pathology that, as a rule, gets sick once in a lifetime (for example, mononucleosis, chickenpox, measles, rubella, etc.).
- Oncological diseases.
- Poisoning the body with chemicals, heavy metals and drugs.
If lymphocytes are low in the general blood test of an adult, this may indicate the following:
- The pathology has just begun to develop in the body.
- The person has been taking cytostatics or corticosteroids for a long time.
- The process of active life of the causative agent of tuberculosis or HIV takes place in the body.
- About the presence of anemia, leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, lymphosarcoma, cancerous tumors, Itsenko-Cushing's disease.
It is important to know that a low concentration of lymphocytes is a warning sign. It often indicates the presence of severe and often incurable pathologies.
Eosinophils
These are leukocyte cells that take an active part in the formation of an allergic reaction. In addition, they are responsible for launching immune defense mechanisms in case of helminthic invasions.
Eosinophils are very aggressive cells. This is because they are able to absorb foreign particles.
When deciphering a complete blood count in adult women and men, the doctor necessarily evaluates the level of eosinophils. Normally, it should vary between 0.5-5%.
The concentration of these cells most often increasesin the presence of the following infectious pathologies:
- Sepsis.
- Typhoid.
- Diphtheria.
- Dysentery.
- Peritonitis.
- Pneumonia.
In practice, an increase in the level of eosinophils is more common. Causes of this condition:
- Serum sickness.
- Asthma.
- Urticaria.
- Giardiasis.
- Malaria.
- Echinococcosis.
- Trichinosis.
- Hay fever.
- Diphyllobothriasis.
- Pathologies of connective tissue.
- Blood diseases.
- Eczema.
- Systemic vasculitis.
- Dermatitis.
- Lichen.
Sometimes it happens that against the background of the course of acute inflammatory processes, eosinophils are completely absent in the general blood test in an adult. This condition may also be normal. Often, eosinophils are not detected after recent operations and with prolonged exposure to stress.
Basophiles
This is one of the types of leukocytes whose main task is to participate in both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Basophils are the first to be at the site of inflammation and call on the rest of the cells to start fighting the foreign agent.
Their norm in the general blood test in an adult is 0.5%. An increase in their number may indicate the presence of:
- Gastritis.
- Enterocolitis.
- Peptic ulcer.
- Inflammatory process in the liver.
- Leukemia.
- Anemia.
- Hemophilia.
- Lymphogranulomatosis.
- Allergies.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Cancer.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Hodgkin's disease.
It is worth noting that in practice, an increase in the number of basophils is rare. More often, a decrease in their level is detected. In this case, the reason might be:
- Any acute illness.
- Mental or nervous disorder.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Inflammation of the lungs.
- Acute leukemia.
In addition, the number of basophils decreases after radiation therapy.
Neutrophils
Among all leukocytes, these are the most numerous cells. Their task is to join the fight against the infectious agent and absorb it. Results ranging from 48 to 78% are normal values in a CBC in adults.
The reason for the increase in neutrophils in the blood is the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Moreover, the more pronounced it is, the greater the number of these cells will circulate in the liquid connective tissue. Often the process proceeds with the formation of purulent contents.
Reducing the level of neutrophils is most often the result of physical or mental overwork. During childbearing and after a meal, their number can also decrease significantly.
Monocytes
These are the largest white blood cells. Their task is also the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, they take careabout removing the latter from tissues and synthesizing informational molecules.
When deciphering a complete blood count in adult men and women, the doctor always evaluates the percentage of monocytes. The norm is from 2 to 9% for both sexes.
An increase in the level of monocytes can be triggered by the following pathologies:
- Syphilis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Brucellosis.
- Sepsis.
- Endocarditis in the subacute stage.
- Enteritis.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Pathologies of viral and fungal etiology.
- Systemic connective tissue lesions.
- Lymphoma.
- Lymphogranulomatosis.
- Leukemias.
- Intoxication process.
The following pathologies can provoke a decrease in the level of monocytes:
- Anemia.
- Acute infections.
- Leukemia.
- Radiation sickness.
In addition, a downward deviation from generally accepted indicators may occur against the background of long-term treatment with glucocorticosteroids.
The absence of monocytes in the blood is an alarming sign. It may indicate sepsis or severe leukemia.
Hemoglobin
This is a very complex iron-containing protein that performs a large number of vital functions. It is part of red blood cells.
One of the most important tasks of hemoglobin is the delivery of oxygen to each cell and the transport of carbon dioxide to the lungs. In addition, the iron-containing protein is responsible for regulating the acid-base balance and is the first to take the hit when it penetrates intobody of poisons.
Hemoglobin is a compound to which a doctor attaches particular importance when deciphering a complete blood count in adults. The norm for women is not less than 120 and not more than 140 g/l, for men - not less than 130 and not more than 160 g/l.
Increased hemoglobin is typical for climbers, skiers and residents of the highlands. In addition, it is often deviated from the generally accepted values upwards in athletes. This condition indicates the work of the compensation mechanism and does not require treatment.
However, the level of hemoglobin can also increase with the progression of the following diseases:
- Defect of the heart.
- Erythrocytosis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Heart or lung failure.
- Blood cancer.
- Intestinal obstruction.
In practice, low hemoglobin is detected much more often. The main reasons for this condition:
- Unbalanced diet.
- Vegetarianism.
- Worm infestations.
- Pathologies of the digestive system.
- Blood loss (including hidden).
Unlike the previous indicators, hemoglobin is a compound, both excess and deficiency of which is manifested by pronounced symptoms. A person's he alth and condition of the skin, hair and nails are significantly deteriorating.
Erythrocytes
These red bodies are the most numerous formed elements of liquid connective tissue. Persons interested in how to decipher a complete blood count need to know that the scoreRBC levels are of particular clinical importance. This is due to the fact that their concentration can make more specific conclusions regarding the state of human he alth.
The norm for adult women is 3, 7-4, 7x1012, for men - 4-5, 1x1012. The main reasons for the deviation from the generally accepted values upwards are dehydration and hypoxia, and to the smaller side - blood loss, unbalanced nutrition, drinking large amounts of water, destruction of red blood cells against the background of severe pathologies.
In this case, the doctor necessarily evaluates the ratio of other indicators when deciphering the general blood test in adults. It is customary to talk about the norm if they do not deviate in one direction or another. In this case, experts, as a rule, advise adjusting the diet. If other indicators do not correspond to the norm, additional diagnostic tests are prescribed.
Reticulocytes
These are the progenitor cells of red blood cells. Their indicator reflects the regenerative function of the bone marrow. There are few young red blood cells in the blood. For women, the norm is a value within 0.12-2.05%, for men - 0.24-1.70%.
An increase in the level of reticulocytes indicates the active work of the bone marrow. This occurs either after successful treatment of anemia, or due to massive loss of fluid connective tissue.
If the number of reticulocytes is negligible or they are not detected at all, this is considered an alarm sign for people suffering from anemia. This condition indicates that the regenerativebone marrow function.
Platelets
These are formed elements of the blood - the thinnest little plates, the formation of which occurs in the bone marrow. Platelets are responsible for the clotting of fluid connective tissue. After injury, it is these plates that rush to the lesion and, growing, literally patch up the wound. At the same time, they prevent the penetration of pathogens through the area with broken skin integrity.
How to decipher a complete blood count? In adult men, the platelet norm is from 200 to 400 thousand units / μl, in women - from 180 to 320 thousand units / μl. In the fairer sex, the indicator can significantly decrease during menstruation and during pregnancy. In other cases, the doctor has suspicions about the presence of any pathology in the patient's body.
Reasons for deviating from generally accepted norms upwards:
- Tuberculosis.
- Lymphogranulomatosis.
- Leukemia.
- Cancer of the kidney or liver.
- Arthritis.
- Erythrocytosis.
- Enteritis.
- Anemia.
- Impaired functioning of red brain stem cells.
- Severe blood loss.
- Intoxication of the body.
- Long exposure to stress.
Reducing the level of platelets in most cases suggests that the patient is addicted to uncontrolled medication. Less often, a downward deviation from the norm indicates the presence of:
- Cirrhosis.
- Hepatitis.
- Bone marrow lesions.
- Leukemia.
- Hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
- Megaloblastic anemia.
In addition, this condition is typical for people who regularly consume alcohol-containing drinks.
ESR
Every person, regardless of whether he needs to know how to decipher a general blood test in an adult or not, knows that a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate is an alarming sign that allows you to detect a pathological process in the body even on the earliest stage of its development.
The norm of ESR for men from 15 to 50 years old is not less than 2 and not more than 15 mm / h, over 50 years old - 2-20 mm / h. For women 15-50 years old - not less than 2 and not more than 20 mm/h, over 50 years old - 2-30 mm/h.
Reasons for increased ESR:
- Pathologies of an infectious nature (both acute and chronic).
- Inflammatory processes.
- Connective tissue damage.
- Oncology.
- Myocardial infarction.
- Anemia.
- Amyloidosis.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate also increases during pregnancy and oral contraceptive use.
Reason for lower ESR:
- Hepatitis.
- DIC.
- Pathologies of the lungs.
- Chronic heart failure.
- Spherocytosis of a hereditary nature.
In addition, ESR is below the norm in vegetarians who do not eat not only meat, but also any other food of animal origin.
In closing
It is very difficult to decipher the general blood test of an adult to a person without a medical education. This is due to the fact that the liquid connective tissue is represented by a large number of components, each of which is sensitive to the slightest changes in the body. This manifests itself in the form of a deviation of indicators from the norm to a greater or lesser extent. If the results obtained do not correspond to generally accepted values, it is necessary to contact a medical institution as soon as possible. It is important to remember that only a doctor will be able to correctly decipher the general blood test of an adult.
