What is a Hemogram (Complete Blood Count)?

In today's world, blood tests are the first assessment method for detecting most diseases. A complete blood count (CBC), or hemogram test, is performed on a large number of patients daily in hospitals, providing important information for both diagnosis and monitoring. The interpretation of blood tests by specialists, along with the patient's medical history and consideration of other diseases, guides the treatment the doctor will administer. The hemogram test compares the normal range of cell groups in the blood to the patient's cell count. Diseases can be diagnosed by identifying abnormal cells or an increased number of these cells in certain pathological conditions. By analyzing a few milliliters of blood from the patient, a laboratory can provide valuable information that guides treatment decisions

What is a Hemogram? Important information about the body can be inferred from blood plasma, allowing for disease diagnosis and providing valuable data for the treatment process. Therefore, the cells in the blood are examined in the laboratory, offering crucial data for doctors. The results of the hemogram must be interpreted by a specialist doctor. A value may be high or low in a patient, but whether this corresponds to a pathological issue can only be determined through the experience of a specialist. The same value in two different patients does not necessarily mean they have the same disease. A doctor who evaluates the medical history of both patients can make this comparison and diagnosis.

The blood sample is collected from the patient in a sterile manner and transferred to a purple-capped tube with an adequate amount. It is then sent to the biochemistry laboratory, where expert lab technicians perform the test. The values measured in a hemogram include the quantity of blood cells and their proportions. The blood cells and other parameters examined in a hemogram are:

• Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells) - RBC
• Leukocytes (White Blood Cells) - WBC
• Hemoglobin - HGB
• Hematocrit - HTC
• Platelets - PLT
• Erythrocyte Indices (MCH, MCHC, MCV, RDW)
• Leukocyte Indices (Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Basophils, Eosinophils)

The reference ranges for these parameters are determined and accepted based on healthy male and female bodies. If values fall outside of these accepted reference ranges, the doctor may monitor the patient or plan treatment if necessary. The reference ranges are as follows (1):

• Erythrocytes: 4.4-6.4 million cells per liter of blood
• Hemoglobin: 12.8-19 grams per deciliter of blood
• Hematocrit: Approximately 38-55%
• MCH (Mean Cell Hemoglobin): 24.8-32.8 picograms
• MCHC (Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration): 32.2-35.2 grams per deciliter of blood
• MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): 75.7-95.6 femtoliters
• RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width): 11.3-15.2%
• Platelets (PLT): 150,000-450,000 cells per milliliter of blood
• Neutrophils (Neu): 28-63.3%
• Monocytes (Mon): 3.4-13.3%
• Basophils (Bas): 0.3-1.1%
• Lymphocytes (Lym): 27.2-60%
• Eosinophils (Eos): 1.1-11.9%

The values associated with each blood cell and their proportions can provide insights into potential diseases. Some parameters may directly indicate a specific disease. A wide range of diseases, from immune system disorders to bone marrow diseases, can be quickly diagnosed with the help of blood tests.

How is a Hemogram (Complete Blood Count) Performed?

A hemogram, also known as a complete blood count (CBC), is used to detect the cells normally found in the blood or those that appear during disease states, as well as to determine their quantity. An increase in the number of certain cells that are naturally present in the body can indicate potential diseases. Hemogram parameters are among the first ones examined when doctors require a thorough investigation for a patient. The blood sample for this test is typically taken from the antecubital vein in the forearm. The amount of blood drawn intravenously is about 2 mL. The values measured in a hemogram are not affected by whether the patient is fasting or not, as hemogram parameters often indicate long-term diseases, meaning that the patient's fasting status will not influence the test results.

While blood is being drawn with a syringe, patients may notice tubes with caps of different colors. The purpose of these tubes and the data obtained from each one varies. The content of the blood and the type of cells or values analyzed depend on the color of the tube cap. For a hemogram test, blood is drawn into tubes with purple caps. These tubes are sometimes called EDTA tubes, as they contain the substance EDTA, which prevents clotting during the time the blood sample is processed in the laboratory. After intravenous blood collection, the cap of the tube should be closed and the tube inverted once, but it should not be shaken. The hemogram tube is then sent to the biochemistry laboratory for analysis.

When is a Hemogram Performed?

Patients requiring a hemogram test may present with certain common symptoms. This is because the values measured in a hemogram are directly related to blood cells. Blood production occurs in the bone marrow, which is structured like a channel in the bones in adult individuals. Therefore, diseases related to the bone marrow can be detected through a blood test, enabling quicker diagnosis of these conditions. Hemogram tests can also show abnormal values in cases of pathogenic diseases, including viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections, as white blood cell counts may increase in these cases. The white blood cells, which directly fight pathogens, increase their number to combat the infection. As the immune system becomes active when a pathogen enters the body, diseases that directly affect immunity may also require a hemogram. White blood cells can also show significant increases in immunological conditions. The following symptoms may prompt the need for a hemogram to detect diseases or monitor existing conditions:

• Chronic fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Abdominal bloating
• Unexplained bruising on the body
• Gum swelling
• Pain and swelling in lymph nodes

Any of these symptoms may not directly point to a specific disease, but if the symptoms persist over time and are accompanied by multiple complaints, a hemogram may be requested.

Which Diseases Can a Hemogram Help Diagnose?

A hemogram can be used to monitor many diseases. It helps doctors assess whether there have been any new developments in the patient's condition during follow-up visits. Moreover, it is also useful for early diagnosis of new diseases. Diseases that can be detected with a hemogram, potentially leading to further testing, include:

• Leukemia, also known as myelodysplastic syndromes
• Heart diseases
• Pathogenic infections
• Autoimmune disorders, agranulocytosis
• Blood cell function disorders like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia
• Lymphoma
• Infections

A hemogram is a type of blood cell analysis test requested when a patient presents with specific complaints, aiding in the preliminary diagnosis of diseases. If there are suspected abnormalities in the results, the doctor may request further tests. Therefore, blood tests are indispensable in diagnosing and monitoring existing diseases. If you experience long-term abnormal symptoms, you can visit our well-equipped clinic for an examination by our specialists and to undergo a blood test.