Decoding of Blood Reports – Part 1
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How many of us really know to read Blood Reports?
What do the values exactly mean?
To what extent should we worry about abnormal reports?
Given below are a few indicators of Complete Blood Count we should comprehend. |
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1. Haemogloblin: |
Haemoglobin is the main component of Red Blood Cells. It is a protein which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and carbon dioxide from the rest of the body to the lungs.
Normal values:
Males: 13 – 17 gm/dl (grams/deciliter).
Females: 12 – 16 gm/dl. |
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| Common changes in the immune system during pregnancy include: |
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Anaemia (of various types) |
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Haemorrhage or Blood Loss. |
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Malnutrition. |
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Nutritional deficiencies like Iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin B6 deficiency. |
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Lead poisoning. |
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Excessive intake of fluids (overhydration). |
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| High Haemoglobin Count suggests: |
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Lung diseases e.g. Lung Fibrosis, Pulmonary Heart Disease, Emphysema. |
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Congenital Heart Disease.
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Polycythemia vera – increased formation of red blood cells.
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Tumors, Bone marrow disorders.
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Drug abuse.
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Chronic Smoking. |
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2. Total Leukocyte Count (TLC): |
Leukocytes are White Blood Cells defending the body against infections and diseases.
Normal values: 4,000 – 11,000 cells/cu.mm (cubic millimeter)
Low TLC suggests (less than 4000 cells/cu.mm): |
| Decrease in White Blood Cells which is termed Leucopenia. It is seen in the following conditions: |
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In patients undergoing Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy.
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Aplastic Anaemia – failure of formation of white and red blood cells.
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Influenza. |
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Typhoid. |
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Malaria. |
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Dengue. |
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Tuberculosis. |
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In patients taking Antibiotic medications e.g. minocycline. |
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| High TLC suggests (more than 11,000 cells /cu.mm): |
| Increase in White Blood Cells is termed Leucocytosis. It is seen in the following conditions: |
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It is commonly seen in acutely ill patients. |
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In new born babies – this is normal and will settle down. |
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Viral, fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections. |
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Pneumonia. |
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Trauma and Inflammation. |
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Rheumatic arthritis. |
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Acute gout. |
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Connective tissue disorders. |
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Pelvic inflammatory disease. |
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Cystitis – inflammation of the urinary bladder. |
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Leukemia (blood cancer). |
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3. Platelet Count: |
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Platelets or Thrombocytes are irregularly small cells essential for clotting of blood and for prevention of bleeding.
Normal count: 1, 50,000 – 4, 50,000 platelets per microlitre.
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| If the Platelet Count is below normal it is termed Thrombocytopenia. It is seen in following conditions: |
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In patients undergoing Chemotherapy for Cancer. |
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Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) – in this condition blood clots are formed in blood vessels. |
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Haemolytic Anaemia. |
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Hypersplenism – enlargement of spleen. |
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Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura – a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets. |
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Leukemia. |
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If the Platelet Count is higher than normal it is termed Thrombocytosis. It is seen in the following conditions:
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Anaemia. |
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Hyposplenism – decreased function of spleen. |
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Removal of spleen. |
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Polycythemia vera. |
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Inflammation. |
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Essential thrombocytosis – a rare chronic blood disorder characterized by overproduction of platelets. |
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| Got more questions chat with our online doctor |
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