The blood count can help detect diseases such as anemia, some cancers like leukemia, infections and inflammations, immune system problems, among others.
Through the analysis of leukocytes (white blood cells), red blood cells and platelets, the blood count gives the doctor important information about the blood cells, being very useful to aid the diagnosis or follow the evolution of several diseases. However, the blood count does not detect pregnancy, drugs or diseases such as diabetes, STDs and HIV.
The hemogram evaluates the three groups of blood cells: red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets.
At red blood cells, also known as red blood cells, are the blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. Elevated levels of red blood cells indicate polycythemia, which can harm other cells and make blood thick. If the blood count detects a decrease in red blood cells, it may be a sign of anemia or bleeding.
The leukocytes or white blood cells are the body's defense cells. White blood cell counts are used to detect infections or inflammation, evaluate the need for a bone marrow biopsy, or examine the body's response to antibiotic, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
When leukocytes are elevated (leukocytosis), it may be a sign of infection, leukemia, myocardial infarction, gangrene or death (necrosis) of some tissue. If the number of white blood cells is reduced (leucopenia), it may indicate bone marrow depression caused by viral infections or treatment of cancer, in addition to mercury ingestion or exposure to benzene. Among the diseases that can cause leucopenia are typhoid, influenza, measles, infectious hepatitis and rubella.
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At platelets are the blood cells responsible for coagulation. Platelet count serves to assess blood clotting ability, as well as to diagnose or check the causes of an increase or decrease in blood clotting.
Thus, the blood count can help diagnose a wide variety of diseases and health problems, such as:
- Hemorrhages;
- Heart disease;
- Immune system disorders;
- Disturbances in the bone marrow;
- Cancer;
- Infectious and inflammatory processes;
- Reactions to medications and treatments.
The hemogram should be evaluated by the doctor who requested the test.
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