Complete blood count (abbreviated as CBC) is perhaps the main method of examination that helps diagnose most diseases. The popularity of the study is due to the relative simplicity of its conduct and the possibility of obtaining a quick result, which makes it possible to establish the cause of a particular disease in the shortest possible time.
What are the norms for blood tests in children and how to take them correctly? We will try to answer this question.
OAK in children. What is it for?
Thanks to this study, the following parameters of the child's condition can be determined:
- number of red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells;
- hemoglobin level;
- ratio of erythrocytes to plasma;
- erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Preparing for analysis
To obtain a reliable result, you shouldprepare the baby. So, a general blood test in children, however, as in adults, is taken exclusively in the morning on an empty stomach. Therefore, morning feeding and even a small drink in this case are excluded. It is also not recommended to take any medication the day before, except in critical cases. Since it is difficult for infants to withstand long intervals between feedings, it is acceptable for such children to take an analysis some time (two or three hours) after the child has eaten.
How it happens
Blood for research is taken from a finger using a scarifier tool. The laboratory assistant performs a puncture of the skin on the finger, from which blood appears. With the help of a pipette, it is collected in a special vessel.
Norms for blood tests in children
After the laboratory test, it's time to interpret the results. Before considering the norms of blood tests in children, it should be noted that the following indicators reflect the normal values \u200b\u200bfor a one-year-old child. Due to the rapid growth of the baby, the different speed of metabolic processes, the results of the study can seriously differ. Therefore, the norm of a blood test in children for each age, as well as depending on gender, is different.
- Hemoglobin. The norm indicators are 110-135 g / l. A higher hemoglobin content may indicate heart defects, blood clots. Reduced content is characteristic of anemia.
- Erythrocytes. Norm - 3, 6-4, 9 x 1012/l. Reduced valueindicates a lack of iron, protein and vitamins. Increased may be a sign of hypoxia and blood clotting (depending on whether the value is absolute or relative).
- Platelets. The limits of the norm are quite wide - from 180 and up to 400 x 109/l. A higher number of platelets indicates a possible inflammation in the body and is a characteristic condition after surgery. A decrease in platelets is observed in newborns in case of prematurity.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The normal value is 4-12 mm/h. An increased sedimentation rate is observed during inflammatory processes in the body, intoxication, infections, and kidney diseases. A reduced value may appear due to weight loss, starvation.
- Leukocytes. Leukocytosis (increased number of leukocytes) occurs with acute inflammation, tumors, burns. Leukopenia (reduced value) is a consequence of starvation, a physiological state, may be hereditary. The norm indicator is 6, 0-12, 0 x 109/l.
It should be noted that the above norms for blood tests in children are conditional values, and each specific analysis requires mandatory decoding by the attending pediatrician.
