Red blood cells are the cells that contain the largest amount of the red pigment hemoglobin. The main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the human body, delivering it to all tissues and organs. That is why red blood cells are directly involved in the breathing process. In the blood, the norm of these cells is from 3.7 to 4 per 1 liter.

Red blood cells are disc-shaped. These cells are slightly thicker at the edges than in the center, and when cut they look like a biconcave lens. This structure helps them become saturated with oxygen and carbon dioxide as much as possible as they pass through the body’s bloodstream. Under the influence of a special kidney hormone - erythropoietin - red blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow.

Mature red blood cells moving in the blood do not contain a nucleus and cannot combine nucleic acids and hemoglobin. Red blood cells have a low metabolic rate and therefore have a lifespan of approximately 120 days from the time they enter the bloodstream. At the end of the term, “old” red blood cells are destroyed in the liver and spleen.

Red blood cells are normal for women, men and children

For the normal functioning of internal organs and systems, blood cells must be present in sufficient quantities in the human body. The leading role in this matter is played by red blood cells (the norm is from 3.7 to 4 per 1 liter). These cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs and removing carbon dioxide from the body.

What is the norm of red blood cells in the blood for a person? It depends on gender

And age group.

• The norm for women is 3.7-4.7 x 10 12 / l.
• For men, the norm varies from 4.0 to 5.3x10 12 / l.

The norm of red blood cells in a child’s blood is from 2.7 to 4.9 x 10 12 / l (from 2 months of age), from 4.0 to 5.2 x 10 12 / l (from 6 to 12 years of age). Any deviations from the norm are associated with the presence of pathological processes in the body. Daily fluctuations of these cells in the blood should not exceed 0.5x10 12 / l.

What does a fluctuation in red blood cell counts mean?

A physiological upward deviation in the number of red blood cells can occur due to the following factors:

• intense muscle work;
• emotional arousal;
• loss of fluid due to increased sweating.

A decrease in the number of “oxygen” cells in the blood is facilitated by drinking and eating heavily. Deviations from the norm that arise as a result of the above reasons are usually short-term and are associated with nothing more than the distribution of red blood cells, thinning or thickening of the blood.

What diseases contribute to changes in red blood cell counts?

The level of red blood cells in the blood plays an important role in the diagnosis of many diseases. The norm or deviations from it indicate the absence or presence of one or another
diseases. When the number of blood cells increases, we are talking about the presence of diseases associated with the blood system or oxygen starvation.

A decrease in red blood cell counts is the main laboratory sign of anemia. Typically, such changes are associated with large blood losses or anemia. In the presence of chronic blood loss, deviations from the norm may be insignificant or completely absent.

What causes the increase in blood cell levels?

If the red blood cells in the blood are higher than normal, this may indicate the presence of the following reasons that caused pathological processes in the body:

• vitamin deficiency due to improper liver function;
• neoplasm that stimulates the production of red blood cells;
• temporary or chronic oxygen deficiency;
• treatment with corticosteroids or steroids;
• acquired or congenital heart defects;
• undergoing a course of radiation therapy;
• drinking contaminated or chlorinated water;
• lack of enzymes necessary to digest food;
• smoking, which increases the level of carboxyhemoglobin in the body.

Only an experienced hematologist can find out the reason for the increase in the number of blood cells in the body. Therefore, you should not deal with such changes in the blood on your own: this can lead to the development of irreversible processes. Self-medication, and especially traditional medicine, are not appropriate in this case.

Erythropenia

The leading positions among bloodstream cells in terms of number are occupied by
red blood cells in the blood. The normal number of these cells decreases if there is
the following factors:

• anemia of various origins;
• acute leakage of connecting fluid;
• constant blood loss (uterine, intestinal or hemorrhoidal bleeding);
• endocrine system disorders;
• infectious diseases.

There is a relative and absolute reduction in the number of red blood cells in the blood. With a relative (false) decrease, a large amount of fluid enters the bloodstream. The blood thins, but despite this, the level of red cells remains unchanged.

Absolute erythropenia refers to insufficient production of red blood cells. This type of disease is also characterized by accelerated death of blood cells due to blood loss. A decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood is considered a criterion for anemia, but this circumstance does not indicate the essence of its development.

Diagnosis and treatment of erythropenia

To find out the reason for the decrease in the level of red blood cells in the bloodstream, it is not enough to conduct only a general analysis. In this case, there is a need to prescribe auxiliary examinations. If we take into account the indications obtained in practice, the trigger for the development of anemia is in most cases iron deficiency.

It is not difficult to determine a decrease in the norm of blood cells; it is enough to monitor your health and if you experience general weakness, frequent infectious diseases and low-grade fever, consult a doctor for help. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis of erythropenia after studying the results of a complete blood test. If the rate of red blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood remains low after 3 blood samples are taken in a row, then the patient needs immediate medical attention.

Treatment of this disease includes identifying the causes of the development of the pathological process and its elimination. It is not advisable to treat low blood cell levels by increasing them. If erythropenia has developed as a result of the use of medications, then their use should be discontinued and replaced with safer analogues.

As additional research procedures are prescribed

the following:

• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and abdominal area;
• bone marrow puncture;
• general urinalysis.

To restore normal levels of red blood cells in the blood, it is important to take medications that contain substances that help increase hemoglobin.

Erythrocytosis (polycythemia)

Erythrocytosis (polycythemia) is an increase in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, which is accompanied by an increase in hemoglobin levels. Primary, secondary acquired and hereditary types of the disease can be distinguished. Reasons
development of erythrocytosis are as follows:

• arterial hypoxemia;
• chronic pulmonary diseases;
• congenital heart defects;
• pulmonary vascular pathology;
• violation of hemoglobin transport functions.

The clinical picture of this disease is a variety of symptoms, which are determined by the essence of the leading pathological process. When performing hemograms, an increase in blood cell counts is detected. The norm of platelets and leukocytes remains unchanged. The development of pancytosis should be highlighted as complications, which significantly complicates the process of diagnosing the disease.

Treatment of erythrocytosis (polycythemia)

The principles of treatment of polycythemia are based on eliminating the causes of the disease. In the presence of hypoxic forms of the disease, oxygen therapy is mandatory. Vascular shunts are eliminated through surgical treatment. Smokers are strongly advised to quit this bad habit. People suffering from excess weight are prescribed a fasting diet.

In some cases, the cause of erythrocytosis cannot be eliminated completely or partially. In such a case, the degree of threat associated with the disease and the likelihood of developing undesirable consequences are assessed. Most often, a procedure is prescribed to reduce hematocrit (tissue hypoxia). Bloodletting is carried out with caution in case of heart defects and obstructive pulmonary diseases. Small bloodlettings are allowed once every 7 days, 200 ml. The hematocrit level should not decrease by more than 50%.

Prescribing cytostatic drugs when the number of red blood cells increases is not allowed. The prognosis for the effectiveness of the treatment directly depends on the progression of the underlying pathological process. The danger of erythrocytosis is the development of thrombotic complications.

ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate

The rate of erythrocyte sedimentation in the blood is a fairly well-known indicator when conducting laboratory tests. If the indicators increase, this means that functional processes in the body are disrupted. Most often, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases when bacteria, fungi or viruses enter the blood. This is due to changes in protein ratios due to an increase in the level of protective antibodies.

In the presence of mild inflammatory processes, the indicators increase to 15 or 20 mm/h, in severe inflammation - from 60 to 80 mm/h. If during the treatment period the indicators decrease, then the treatment has been chosen correctly. Please note that ESR levels may be elevated during pregnancy and menstruation.

Red blood cells are the most numerous elements of human blood, the main part of which consists of hemoglobin. Their main function is to transport oxygen and saturate organs and tissues with many nutrients, transfer carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs, and also maintain acid-base balance in the blood. In addition, red blood cells are responsible for the transfer of special antibodies that are involved in immune reactions.

By the number of red blood cells, you can identify some problems and pathologies in the body. The content of red blood cells in adults and children is different, just as the level of red blood cells in the blood and the norm in women differs from those in men. In this article we will take a closer look at what the norm of red blood cells in women is, what deviations from the established boundaries may be associated with, and what the consequences are.

Blood test for red blood cells. The norm for women.

To determine the level of red blood cells, a person is prescribed a general (clinical) blood test, that is, material is taken from a finger. For the study, just a few drops of blood are enough, after which the calculation is made in the laboratory using a microscope or an automated hematology analyzer. Measured at 10 12 pieces per liter of blood.

For an adult and healthy woman, the normal value is considered to be from 3.7 to 4.7 * 10 12 / l.

During pregnancy, especially in the later stages, a slight decrease in the level to 3.5 or even 3.0 * 10 12 / l is acceptable, this is due to excessive blood thinning due to fluid retention in the body.

Deviation from normal limits may indicate the presence of serious health problems. A low red blood cell count is possible due to anemia (anemia), after large blood loss, or when a focus of inflammation occurs.

An increase in red blood cells in a woman’s blood usually signals some diseases or disorders. Let's talk about this in more detail.

Why are red blood cells in a woman’s blood elevated?

The situation when red blood cells are higher than normal in women is not uncommon. In medicine, this condition is called erythrocytosis and gives the doctor grounds to conduct additional examinations for the presence of certain diseases.

However, elevated red blood cells in women do not always indicate pathology. A slight deviation from the norm can occur in people who live or stay for a long time in mountainous areas due to a lack of oxygen molecules in the air. A similar situation can occur in heavy smokers. In addition, as a result of a blood test, a large number of red cells can be detected if the day before a person suffered an emotional shock, was exposed to active physical activity, or experienced severe dehydration. Usually, after eliminating provoking factors and situations, the analysis shows normal levels of red blood cells in the blood within a few days.

In addition to physiological reasons, there are also pathological ones that can threaten the patient’s health. The most common include:

1. Erythremia. A disease associated with excessive production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The disease is also characterized by an increase in white blood cells, platelets, increased hemoglobin and red blood cells in women. Erythremia in the initial stages may not manifest itself in any way and may not have an effect on the circulatory system and the body as a whole. But as it develops, the patient may experience some health problems, such as headaches and joint pain, enlarged spleen and liver, redness and itching of the skin, excessive bleeding, and even thrombotic strokes and myocardial infarction.
2. Heart defects or problems with the cardiovascular system. With such disorders, the speed of blood pumping and its volume decrease, and there is an insufficient amount of oxygen in it, which the body tries to compensate for by producing new red blood cells.
3. Oncology of the kidneys and liver. These organs are involved in the process of decomposition and elimination of “old” red blood cells. Due to the development of the tumor, they cease to fully perform their function. Therefore, an increased number of red blood cells in a woman’s blood is associated with the accumulation of mature blood cells.
4. Chronic diseases of the respiratory system, such as obstructive bronchitis, chronic bronchial asthma, and emphysema often lead to the development of erythrocytosis.

To understand why elevated red blood cells were found in a woman’s blood and the causes of erythrocytosis, it is recommended to undergo additional testing. examination and take basic tests.

Prevention and treatment

In severe forms of erythrocytosis, emergency treatment measures are substituted, such as: phlebotomy - bloodletting to reduce the number of red blood cells, or suppression of bone marrow activity with special drugs.

If the increased level of red blood cells in a woman’s blood is a primary phenomenon and is not combined with other characteristic clinical symptoms, you will be asked to re-test after a while and follow some preventive measures, such as:

• quitting smoking;
• increased attention to the quality of water consumed (it should not be chlorinated or highly carbonated);
• nutritious food rich in vegetables and fruits;
• timely treatment of respiratory diseases.

Update: December 2018

Any blood test is not complete without studying red blood cells. Deviations from the norm of red blood cells can reduce the quality of life, provoke infections and significantly worsen the prognosis for chronic pathologies (especially those affecting the heart). This indicator should be monitored at least once a year.

What are red blood cells?

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) perform not only an aesthetic function. There are approximately 1000 times more of them than other blood cells (lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, etc.) and this distribution is not random. A smaller number would not be enough to fulfill their main task - oxygen transport to all human tissues.

In terms of their structure, these are oval cells, concave on both sides, shaped like a regular donut. Almost all the space inside them is filled with hemoglobin, a complex protein structure that binds oxygen and carbon dioxide. Circulating between the lungs and all other tissues through the bloodstream, these formations allow each cell to fully “breathe”, exchanging the listed gases.

The creation of red blood cells occurs in the “red marrow”, which is located inside the body’s bones. Their average lifespan is almost six months, after which they are destroyed in the spleen, and the remaining hemoglobin is excreted along with feces and urine. Disruption of the life cycle of red blood cells can lead to various disorders, due to which the process of cellular respiration becomes defective.

The number of red blood cells is normal

The level of red blood cells in a healthy person depends on age, gender and individual characteristics. Until the age of 18, the child’s body is constantly growing, its blood volume changes, which affects the content of blood cells. In women, after puberty, a number of hormonal changes occur. One of their results is a lower rate of red blood cells in the blood than in men.

For a more accurate assessment of the indicator, all these nuances should be taken into account. Below are indicators taken from the scientific journal “Practical Medicine” and the publication of the independent monitoring foundation “Health”. It is these data that clinicians recommend using when studying blood tests.

It should be remembered that almost every laboratory has its own average values, which are indicated on the analysis form.

Reasons for decreased levels

• Acute or chronic blood loss. Acute ones occur during and after operations and injuries. Chronic: for internal bleeding due to peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal diseases, hemorrhoids, intestinal cancer;
• Deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid in food or poor absorption of them;
• Excessive intake of fluid into the body (intravenous infusions), drinking large quantities of fluid;
• Rapid destruction of red blood cells due to hereditary diseases (sickle cell anemia) or errors during blood transfusion, in patients with an artificial heart valve and in case of poisoning with poisons, heavy metals;
• With alcohol abuse, with tumors in the bone marrow or metastases in it, the number of reticulocytes in the blood decreases.

Skin with hemolytic anemia

Most often, a decrease in red blood cells is caused by anemia. A decrease in the level of red blood cells in the blood below normal in women or men is almost always a manifestation of the disease. In a healthy person, their number should not decrease, even under severe physical or emotional stress.

There are 4 types of anemia and 4 mechanisms of disorders that lead to this disease. For each of them, special treatment approaches have been developed that act only on one specific type of pathology and do not affect the others. The most typical causes of a decrease in red blood cells and their mechanisms of action are described below:

In rare cases, abnormalities in a blood test for red blood cells can be found in patients with kidney disease. The greatest danger is posed by various glomerulonephritis, organ damage due to autoimmune diseases (lupus, scleroderma) and glomerulosclerosis. This disorder occurs due to a lack of the kidney hormone erythropoietin, which is responsible for the production of red blood cells.

Symptoms

Lack of oxygen in tissues almost always affects the patient’s well-being. The most common manifestations of anemia include:

• Constant weakness;
• Fatigue;
• Irritability;
• Attacks of dizziness, headaches, or palpitations;
• “Aches” in the muscles.

With a slight decrease in oxygen levels, a person may not pay attention to these symptoms for a long time. Their severity increases as red blood cells decrease. In severe cases, the patient may experience fainting, heart murmurs and signs of oxygen starvation of all tissues.

In addition to the listed symptoms that can accompany various diseases (ARVI, bacterial infections, oncological pathologies and others), there are specific manifestations of each type of anemia. The presence of these signs makes it possible not only to determine with a high degree of probability a decrease in the norm of red blood cells in children or adults, but also to suggest a possible cause for this process.

Level Up

Skin with erythrocytosis

An increase in red blood cells (erythrocytosis) is almost always a sign of illness. A large number of cells in itself does not affect the patient’s well-being. Often, the only manifestation of this condition is a red tint to the skin (redness on the cheeks) and mucous membranes. All other symptoms that may bother the patient are caused by the underlying disease.

Detection of an increased rate of red blood cells is a reason to begin a full examination of the body in order to identify the cause of this process. First of all, the doctor excludes the following pathologies that affect the level of blood cells:

When steroid hormones are prescribed for some diseases, red blood cells may also increase. Or in situations where a person lacks oxygen (high in the mountains).

If before the test a person had bleeding or was treated for anemia, then reticulocytosis is a positive sign, it indicates the restoration of red blood cell reserves in the blood. If there are no reasons for the increase in reticulocytes, then you should contact a hematologist, because this may indicate the presence of a tumor or a hereditary blood disorder.

If, after a full diagnosis, it is not possible to identify the cause of the increase in the indicator, most likely, this condition is an individual characteristic of the person. Such cases are extremely rare, so a thorough examination is required before making the appropriate diagnosis (idiopathic erythrocytosis).

Other characteristics of red blood cells

The classical method of studying blood (using a microscope) allows you to determine only the number of red blood cells and their sedimentation rate (ESR). Modern automatic analyzers are additionally capable of assessing the condition of red blood cells and their ability to carry hemoglobin. These characteristics are also very important for assessing a person’s condition, so they must be taken into account when deciphering the analysis.

As a rule, a form with research results (it looks like a regular cash receipt) includes the following indicators:

Having assessed all of the listed characteristics, taking into account the number of cells in the blood, we can draw a conclusion about the state of the body. Despite the banality of this procedure, it should not be neglected. The presence of most diseases is reflected in these indicators, so a blood test must be included in the minimum standard of examination.

Frequently asked questions

Question:
Can red blood cells increase if they are not properly prepared for analysis?

No. According to modern research, fluctuations in red blood cells are extremely small during the day in a healthy person.

Question:
Is preparation required for testing?

For the greatest accuracy, the procedure should be carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach, having previously excluded smoking, alcohol, sugar- and caffeine-containing drinks. These factors may affect the rate of ESR.

Question:
How dangerous is an elevated blood cell count? Could this lead to any complications?

In most cases, elevated red blood cells are only a sign of another disease. It occurs when the body cannot cope with pathology in other ways. The appearance of this condition is a reason to evaluate the work of various organs to identify the cause.

Question:
What is the best way to donate blood - from a vein or from a finger?

When drawing blood from a finger or a vein, laboratory technicians examine our blood to look for abnormalities. For example, a lack of red blood cells may indicate anemia, and an excess of white blood cells or a low ESR indicates a possible inflammatory process. All these indicators must be monitored. Moreover, the rate of red blood cells in men is controlled.

Let's focus on red blood cells. These elements have a scarlet tint because they carry red iron protein - hemoglobin. And if a lack of hemoglobin is detected, the cause needs to be investigated, since the body does not receive enough oxygen, and this can be dangerous. It is also sometimes necessary to check whether there are deviations in such an indicator as the rate of red blood cells in the urine of men.

The work of red blood cells in the body

Red blood cells are, one might say, the most necessary elements of blood in the list of hematological indicators. Thanks to their work, the body breathes much-needed gas - oxygen; cells can receive nutrition and function fully. Red blood cells also remove carbon dioxide from tissues and participate in protecting the body from infections. And what else but blood helps us maintain a constant body temperature.

Without red blood cells, a person could not live. The body of an adult man contains about 5 liters of blood (8% of the total body weight). With this volume of blood, what kind of blood does a man have? Let's take a closer look at these questions.

How are red blood cells different from reticulocytes?

The blood is constantly renewed. And if suddenly disturbances occur in the process of renewal of blood cells, a person can become seriously ill. Red blood cells are born inside the bone marrow. The process of creation and development of these cells is called erythropoiesis. And the process of renewal of all blood is hematopoiesis. The production of reticulocytes is stimulated by the hormone erythropoietin (kidney hormone).

If the body suddenly loses blood reserves or lacks air, the bone marrow receives a command to urgently produce new red blood cells. These young cells are still completely “empty”, and within 2 hours their task is to fill with hemoglobin.

Only then can these cells be called red blood cells. And very young cells are called reticulocytes. Their level is also checked during the general analysis. Disturbances in the process of formation of reticulocytes also lead to disruption of the normal level of red blood cells.

This is how important red blood cells are for us (the norm for men by age). A table describing age norms will be given below.

A significant lack of red blood cells due to any problems indirectly indicates the onset of severe anemia or even blood cancer. Sometimes anemia begins due to the fact that the spinal cord produces little new cells. Anemia can be mild, moderate or severe. noted when HGB is 70 g/l. But to determine cancer, you need to take many other, more accurate and complex tests.

General blood test

The formed basic elements of blood have their own functions and their own norms. For each element there are tables that indicate norms for different ages. The slightest discrepancy between the data obtained during the analysis and the norms alarms doctors. The therapist is obliged to prescribe a comprehensive examination if the norm of red blood cells in the blood of men or women is not observed.

What values ​​apply to adults?

Men and women are slightly different. All differences are in the table below.

These are the main indicators. They are enough to determine whether a person is healthy or not.

Reasons for changes in RBC level

An increase in RBC levels is called erythrocytosis. And to characterize a decrease in this level there is a term “erythropenia”, which is also known as “anemia”. Erythropenia occurs in people who have a poor diet and do not consume enough vitamins. Or lost a lot of blood due to internal bleeding.

The increase in red blood cells has the following reasons:

• CVD diseases;
• pneumonia, bronchitis;
• blood diseases;
• polycystic kidney disease (or other kidney diseases).

In addition to these diseases, the cause may be ordinary dehydration. Or the use of steroid drugs. If a person takes such drugs, the doctor must be warned about this in advance. Otherwise, the norm will be exceeded for false reasons.

by age. Table of normal indicators for men and women

All norms in the general analysis have a time frame. The data given is for men and women of mature age. Normally, the number of red blood cells in men is more than 5. But with old age, these norms change. Let's see how the numbers considered normal change depending on age.

It is obvious that 40% of the total blood mass is made up of red blood cells. The norm for men and women differs only by tenths. As can be seen from the table, the level of RBC in the blood of a man is higher than that of a woman. In addition, in women this level is practically unchanged throughout life. But ESR (ESR) is lower in men. This has to do with physiology.

Red blood cells in urine. What is the reason?

To establish the disease, red blood cells in urine are also examined. The norm of red blood cells in urine in men is assessed using the Nechiporenko analysis. In the clinic, the number of red cells per milliliter of urea is studied under a microscope. Red blood cells (RBC) cannot exceed 1 thousand per milliliter.

In principle, red blood cells “travel” throughout the body. And through the vessels they penetrate the urinary tract. However, hematuria (increase in red blood cells) is a bad indicator. And there is also macrohematuria - this is an increase in red blood cells in the blood so much that the urine changes its color to pink or red.

What does this mean? Sometimes these physiological changes are associated with general overheating in the sun or in a sauna. Perhaps the man was very overworked physically, or there were a lot of spices in the food; Or maybe there was alcohol in the body.

But it could also mean that not everything is fine in the body. And the reason is somatic changes. In this case, you can expect the following diseases:

• diseases of the kidneys (very often ordinary kidney stones give this color to urine) and genitourinary system;
• serious intoxication;
• thrombocytopenia (reduced number of platelets in the blood);
• it also speaks of hemophilia, which is a genetic disorder.

In fact, there are more than 100 medical causes of hematuria. In each specific case, you need to collect a detailed anamnesis and look for reasons in the patient’s medical history and monitor his well-being. The norm for RBC in urine sediment in a man is from 0 to 14, and for women it is considered normal to have an indicator of up to two units, that is, cells.

Hematocrit

So, in addition to the main indicator (the norm of red blood cells in men or women), the OAC certainly examines the following points:

• blood composition, quality of the main bodies.
• hematocrit;
• hemoglobin;
• lymphocyte level.

What is hematocrit? This indicator determines the ratio of red blood cells to plasma cells. The norm of red blood cells in men in relation to plasma is 39-49%. And after 65 years - 37-51%. For women, the picture is slightly different: up to 65 - from 35 to 47%; after this age - 35-47.

For a more detailed biochemical analysis, blood is taken from the venous flow. In this case, indicators such as cholesterol, glucose, blood proteins, urea, bilirubin levels and others are analyzed.

ESR (ESR)

This indicator gives doctors information about Blood cells are negatively charged and when moving in the plasma they repel one another. However, under certain conditions they change their charge and begin to stick together.

The ESR or ESR in a blood cell tube) is higher in women than in men. That is, for men, an ESR of up to 10 is normal, and for women, up to 15. However, during pregnancy or during menstruation, the figure can increase to 20. Although each woman may have her own norms that are different from others. Higher rates that clearly do not fit into the norm are direct evidence of inflammatory processes occurring in the body.

A general blood test is one of the routine tests of any clinical laboratory - this is the first test that a person takes when undergoing medical examination or when he becomes ill. In laboratory work, CBC is classified as a general clinical research method (clinical blood test).

Even people far from all laboratory wisdom, replete with a mass of difficult-to-pronounce terms, had a good grasp of the norms, meanings, names and other parameters as long as the answer form included leukocyte cells (leukocyte formula), red blood cells and hemoglobin with a color indicator. The widespread population of medical institutions with all kinds of equipment did not spare the laboratory service either; many experienced patients found themselves at a dead end: some incomprehensible abbreviation of Latin letters, a lot of all sorts of numbers, different characteristics of red blood cells and platelets...

Do-it-yourself decryption

The difficulty for patients is a general blood test performed by an automatic analyzer and scrupulously copied into a form by the responsible laboratory assistant. By the way, the “gold standard” of clinical research (microscope and doctor’s eyes) has not been canceled, therefore any analysis performed for diagnostics must be applied to glass, stained and examined in order to identify morphological changes in blood cells. In the event of a significant decrease or increase in a certain population of cells, the device may not be able to cope and “protest” (refuse to work), no matter how good it is.

Sometimes people try to find differences between a general and clinical blood test, but there is no need to look for them, because a clinical analysis implies the same study, which for convenience is called a general test (it’s shorter and clearer), but the essence does not change.

A general (detailed) blood test includes:

• Determination of the content of cellular elements of blood: - red blood cells containing the pigment hemoglobin, which determines the color of blood, and which do not contain this pigment, therefore are called white blood cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes);
• Level ;
• (in a hematology analyzer, although it can be approximately determined by eye after the red blood cells spontaneously settle to the bottom);
• , calculated according to the formula, if the study was carried out manually, without the participation of laboratory equipment;
• , which used to be called reaction (ROE).

A general blood test shows the reaction of this valuable biological fluid to any processes occurring in the body. How many red blood cells and hemoglobin it contains, which perform the function of respiration (transferring oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide from them), leukocytes that protect the body from infection, participate in the coagulation process, how the body reacts to pathological processes, in a word, the CBC reflects the state of the body itself at different periods of life. The concept of “complete blood count” means that, in addition to the main indicators (leukocytes, hemoglobin, red blood cells), the leukocyte formula (and cells of the agranulocyte series) is studied in detail.

It is better to entrust the interpretation of the blood test to the doctor, but if there is a special desire, the patient can try to independently study the result issued in the clinical laboratory, and we will help him with this by combining the usual names with the abbreviation of the automatic analyzer.

The table is easier to understand

As a rule, the results of the study are recorded on a special form, which is sent to the doctor or given to the patient. To make it easier to navigate, let’s try to present a detailed analysis in the form of a table in which we will enter the norm of blood parameters. The reader will also see cells in the table such as . They are not among the mandatory indicators of a general blood test and are young forms of red blood cells, that is, they are the precursors of red blood cells. Reticulocytes are examined to identify the cause of anemia. There are very few of them in the peripheral blood of an adult healthy person (the norm is shown in the table); in newborn children there can be 10 times more of these cells.

And a separate table for children

Adaptation to new living conditions of all body systems of newborns, their further development in children after one year and final formation in adolescence makes blood indicators different from those in adults. It should not be surprising that the norms of a small child and a person who has crossed the age of majority can sometimes differ noticeably, so for children there is their own table of normal values.

It should be noted that the normal values ​​may differ in different medical sources and in different laboratories. This is not due to the fact that someone does not know how many certain cells there should be or what the normal level of hemoglobin is. Just, using various analytical systems and techniques, each laboratory has its own reference values. However, these subtleties are unlikely to be of interest to the reader...

Red blood cells in a general blood test and their characteristics

Or red blood cells (Er, Er) - the most numerous group of cellular elements of the blood, represented by nuclear-free biconcave disks ( the norm for women and men is different and is 3.8 – 4.5 x 10 12 / l and 4.4 – 5.0 x 10 12 / l, respectively). Red blood cells top the general blood count. Having numerous functions (tissue respiration, regulation of water-salt balance, transfer of antibodies and immunocomplexes on their surfaces, participation in the coagulation process, etc.), these cells have the ability to penetrate the most inaccessible places (narrow and convoluted capillaries). To carry out these tasks, red blood cells must have certain qualities: size, shape and high plasticity. Any changes in these parameters that go beyond the norm are shown by a general blood test (examination of the red part).

Red blood cells contain an important component for the body, consisting of protein and iron. This is a red blood pigment called. A decrease in red blood cells usually entails a drop in Hb levels, although there is another picture: there are enough red blood cells, but many of them are empty, then the CBC will have a low content of red pigment. In order to find out and evaluate all these indicators, there are special formulas that doctors used before the advent of automatic analyzers. Now equipment deals with such matters, and additional columns with an incomprehensible abbreviation and new units of measurement have appeared in the general blood test form:

An indicator of many diseases - ESR

It is considered a (nonspecific) indicator of a wide variety of pathological changes in the body, so this test is almost never ignored in diagnostic searches. The ESR norm depends on gender and age - in absolutely healthy women it can be 1.5 times higher than this figure in children and adult men.

As a rule, an indicator such as ESR is recorded at the bottom of the form, that is, it, as it were, completes the general blood test. In most cases, ESR is measured in 60 minutes (1 hour) in a Panchenkov stand, which is still indispensable to this day; however, in our high-tech times, there are devices that can reduce the determination time, but not all laboratories have them.

determination of ESR

Leukocyte formula

Leukocytes (Le) are a “motley” group of cells representing “white” blood. The number of leukocytes is not as high as the content of red blood cells (erythrocytes); their normal value in an adult varies within 4.0 – 9.0 x 10 9 /l.

In the UAC, these cells are presented in the form of two populations:

1. Granulocyte cells (granular leukocytes), containing granules that are filled with biologically active substances (BAS): (rods, segments, young, myelocytes), ;
2. Representatives of the agranulocytic series, which, however, can also have granules, but of a different origin and purpose: immunocompetent cells () and the “orderlies” of the body - (macrophages).

The most common cause of an increase in leukocytes in the blood () is an infectious-inflammatory process:

• In the acute phase, the neutrophil pool is activated and, accordingly, increases (up to the release of young forms);
• A little later, monocytes (macrophages) are included in the process;
• The stage of recovery can be determined by the increased number of eosinophils and lymphocytes.

The calculation of the leukocyte formula, as mentioned above, is not completely trusted even by the most high-tech equipment, although it cannot be suspected of errors - the devices work well and accurately, they provide a large amount of information, significantly exceeding that when working manually. However, there is one tiny nuance - the machine cannot yet fully see the morphological changes in the cytoplasm and nuclear apparatus of the leukocyte cell and replace the doctor’s eyes. In this regard, the identification of pathological forms is still carried out visually, and the analyzer is allowed to count the total number of white blood cells and divide leukocytes into 5 parameters (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes), if the laboratory has a high-precision class 3 analytical system at its disposal .

Through the eyes of man and machine

The latest generation hematological analyzers are not only capable of conducting complex analysis of granulocyte representatives, but also differentiating agranulocytic cells (lymphocytes) within a population (subpopulations of T cells, B lymphocytes). Doctors successfully use their services, but, unfortunately, such equipment is still the privilege of specialized clinics and large medical centers. In the absence of any hematological analyzer, the number of leukocytes can be counted using the old old-fashioned method (in Goryaev’s chamber). Meanwhile, the reader should not think that one or another method (manual or automatic) is necessarily better; doctors working in the laboratory monitor this, monitoring themselves and the machine, and at the slightest doubt they will ask the patient to repeat the study. So, leukocytes:

Platelet link

The next abbreviation in a general blood test refers to cells called platelets or. Studying platelets without a hematology analyzer is quite labor-intensive; the cells require a special approach to staining, so without an analytical system this test is performed as needed and is not a default analysis.

The analyzer, distributing cells like red blood cells, calculates the total number of blood platelets and platelet indices (MPV, PDW, PCT):

• PLT– an indicator indicating the number of blood platelets (platelets). An increase in platelet content in the blood is called, a reduced level is qualified as thrombocytopenia.
• MPV– average volume of blood platelets, uniformity of platelet population sizes, expressed in femtoliters;
• PDW– width of distribution of these cells by volume – %, quantitatively – degree of platelet anisocytosis;
• PCT() is an analogue of hematocrit, expressed as a percentage and denotes the proportion of platelets in whole blood.

Elevated platelet count And change in one direction or another platelet indices may indicate the presence of a rather serious pathology: myeloproliferative diseases, inflammatory processes of an infectious nature localized in various organs, as well as the development of a malignant neoplasm. Meanwhile, the number of platelets can increase: physical activity, childbirth, surgical interventions.

Decline the content of these cells is observed in autoimmune processes, angiopathy, infections, and massive transfusions. A slight drop in platelet levels is observed before menstruation and during pregnancy, however a decrease in their number to 140.0 x 10 9 /l and below should already be a cause for concern.

Does everyone know how to prepare for analysis?

It is known that many indicators (especially leukocytes and erythrocytes) vary depending on previous circumstances:

1. Psycho-emotional stress;
2. Food (digestive leukocytosis);
3. Bad habits such as smoking or thoughtless drinking of strong drinks;
4. Use of certain medications;
5. Solar radiation (it is not advisable to go to the beach before taking tests).

Nobody wants to get unreliable results, in this regard, you need to go for analysis on an empty stomach, sober and without a morning cigarette, calm down for 30 minutes, do not run or jump. People should be aware that in the afternoon, after exposure to the sun and during heavy physical labor, some leukocytosis will be observed in the blood.

The female sex has even more restrictions, so representatives of the fair half need to remember that:

• The ovulation phase increases the total number of leukocytes, but decreases the level of eosinophils;
• Neutrophilia is observed during pregnancy (before childbirth and during its course);
• Pain associated with menstruation and the menstruation itself can also cause certain changes in the test results - you will have to donate blood again.

Blood for a detailed blood test, provided that it is carried out in a hematological analyzer, is now in most cases taken from a vein, simultaneously with other tests (biochemistry), but in a separate tube (a vacutainer with an anticoagulant placed in it - EDTA). There are also small microcontainers (with EDTA) designed for collecting blood from a finger (earlobe, heel), which are often used to take tests from children.

The indicators of blood from a vein are somewhat different from the results obtained from the study of capillary blood - in venous blood there is higher hemoglobin and more red blood cells. Meanwhile, it is believed that it is better to take OAC from a vein: the cells are less injured, contact with the skin is minimized, moreover, the volume of venous blood taken, if necessary, allows you to repeat the analysis if the results are questionable, or expand the range of studies (what if it turns out that what else needs to be done and reticulocytes?).

In addition, many people (by the way, most often adults), without reacting at all to venipuncture, are panicky afraid of the scarifier that is used to pierce the finger, and sometimes the fingers are blue and cold - it is difficult to obtain blood. The analytical system that performs a detailed blood analysis “knows” how to work with venous and capillary blood, it is programmed for different options, so it can easily “figure out” what’s what. Well, if the device fails, it will be replaced by a highly qualified specialist who will check, double-check and make a decision, relying not only on the capabilities of the machine, but also on his own eyes.

Video: clinical blood test - Dr. Komarovsky