Deciphering the blood test, which means lvl. What a clinical blood test will show: interpretation, normal values ​​and abnormalities. Features of the leukocyte formula in the UAC

Modern hematological analyzers, when analyzing the norm or changes in blood, make it possible to obtain accurate and highly informative characteristics of blood cells. The purpose of this article is to help in the correct interpretation of hematological indicators of a general blood test.

Any changes in the norms in a general blood test are interpreted as pathological and require a thorough examination of the patient. Detected changes in the blood norm in the hemogram during a blood test for many diseases may be nonspecific. In this case, the results of the blood test are used for dynamic monitoring of the patient and from the point of view of assessing the prognosis of the disease.

In diseases of the hematopoietic system, the study of the norm or changes in the general blood count (CBC) acquires paramount diagnostic importance. A general clinical blood test (CBC) determines the further strategy for examining the patient with the subsequent selection of a treatment regimen and is necessary for monitoring the therapy.

In hematology analyzers from different manufacturers, normal blood values ​​can vary significantly depending on the blood standards used in a particular country. Below are normal peripheral blood parameters (general clinical blood test is normal) in adult men and women according to the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

White blood cells form an important part in the body, protecting it from harmful bacteria and substances. They ingest and disarm foreign particles. Consequently, the behavior of these cells can indicate the presence of an inflammation process, because the composition of the blood shows the state of human health. Therefore, for diagnostics that provide results, a special test is prescribed, which is used in medicine called the leukocyte blood count. Judging by its results, you can find out about the type of disease, predict its course and predict the further outcome. What can the leukocyte formula show?

Indicators

Alerts about changes in certain types of leukocytes. Often such a study is prescribed with general tests during routine medical examinations, infectious diseases, during monitoring of various diseases.

These are cells of the immune system that are responsible for protecting the human body. Their goal is to form a certain boundary beyond which harmful substances, toxins, and foreign bodies should not fall.
There are several types of leukocyte cells that perform a specific task. Basophils, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes constitute the body's defense group. What functions do these cells perform?

This species is responsible for ensuring security. They recognize, capture and destroy viruses or bacteria. They are divided into:

• myelocytes (buds) and metamyelocytes (derived from myelocytes). Basically, they are not in the blood of a healthy person, but in case of severe illness they appear.
• stick-shaped (young) - in case of infections or diseases that are bacterial in nature, their number increases if the segmented ones are not able to neutralize the infection.
• segmented (mature) - are found in the greatest quantity, as they constitute the body’s defense in a normal state.

Lymphocytes. They create antiviral immunity, as they are able to remember antigens, and also participate in the synthesis of antibodies.

Their functions are similar to neutrophils, but they differ in that they are capable of not only capturing and destroying harmful bacteria, but also absorbing dying cells. In this way they cleanse the blood, giving the ability to regenerate tissues.

Basophils. They appear when allergic processes occur that prevent harmful microorganisms and toxins from spreading throughout the blood.

The leukocyte blood count shows the condition of a sick person, the severity of his disease, the causes and its outcome. In addition to the leukocytogram, there are leukocyte indices that show the level of protein bodies in the blood.

An example of this is the leukocyte index of intoxication, which determines the severity of the inflammation process. As well as other types of indices, for example, immunoreactivity, allergization. They help assess the level of body resistance, the capabilities of the immune system, and the patient’s condition.

And finally, the leukoformula is used to determine the balance of these bodies in the blood.

Carrying out analysis

Before taking the leukocyte formula, you need to undergo simple preparation. You just need to refuse food 3-4 hours in advance, and also not be subjected to physical and emotional stress.

The material is blood from a vein. Next, it is placed on a special glass plate under a microscope. The laboratory technician fishes out several hundred cells to determine the number and level of white blood cells. The next step is to distribute the blood over the entire glass surface, but not evenly. The heavy bodies are located at the edges, and the light ones in the center. The heavy ones include: monocytes, basophils and eosinophils, and the light ones include lymphocytes.

When counting white bodies in the blood, two options are used:

• Schilling method. Counting occurs conditionally in 4 areas of the smear.
• Filipchenko's method. The laboratory technician divides the smear into 3 parts and determines the quantity along a straight transverse line.

However, there are clinics equipped with new equipment and the counting of leukocytes is done by a special device - an analyzer. And if the result deviates sharply from the norm, then a person intervenes. It should be noted that the quantity error error exists in any case. Factors include errors in blood collection, smear preparation, and others.

Ready in a few days. The attending physician analyzes the obtained values.

A specially trained specialist is responsible for deciphering the leukocyte formula of blood. However, you can also compare the result with the norms. To do this, you need to know what indicators are the maximum permissible for a healthy person in accordance with his age.

There are leukocyte blood formula standards for adults:

• neutrophils - 55%;
• lymphocytes - 35%;
• monocytes - 5%;
• eosinophils - 2.5%;
• basophils - 0.5%.

Leukocyte formula norms by age:

• hemoglobin- a protein found in red blood cells. It is needed to transport oxygen throughout the body, as well as carbon dioxide. For men: 130 - 160 g/l, for women: 120 - 140 g/l, for children from 0 to 6: 100 - 140 g/l, and up to 12: 120 - 150 g/l.

If the indicators in the leukocyte formula deviate, for example, in a decreasing direction, a possible development of leukemia is detected. If increased, it indicates the presence of diabetes mellitus, dehydration or diseases of the hematopoietic system.

• red blood cells. The norm for men is 4.0-5.0 × 1012/l, for women: 3.6 - 4.6 × l, for children from 0 to 6 years old: 5 - 15.5 × l, for children from 0 - 6 years: 5.0-15.5×l, up to 12 years – 4.0 - 13.5×l.

Possible for drug allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, leukemia. If the indicators are less than normal, then this indicates the initial stage of inflammation, the development of viral or infectious diseases.

• neutrophils. The normal amount of segmented neutrophils for adults is from 50 to 70%, for children from 0 to 6: 28 - 55%, up to 12 years: 43 - 60%. As for stab diseases, in adults it is 1-3%, and in children under 16 it is 1-5%. A deviation from the norm shows that not everything is in order in the body. So, if the amount is exceeded, then this is mainly during bronchitis, sinusitis, and inflammation of the organs. Reduces this indicator of diseases that are infectious or blood diseases.

In the deciphering of the analysis for the leukocyte formula, there is such a term as leukocyte formula shift. It characterizes the content of rod and segmented cells in ba. If the shift is to the right, then there are fewer band neutrophils to a greater or lesser extent, which is reflected in the state of human segmented neutrophils. Then the person’s condition is associated with impaired liver function, kidney function, or the presence of megaloblastic anemia. If there is a shift to the left, then band cells increase and metamyelocytes and myelocytes appear. Then the following diseases emerge: acidosis or acute infections. Also during physical stress.

• eosinophils. For newborns and infants up to 2 weeks, the norm is 1 - 5%, for infants 1 - 6%, from 1 to 2 years this figure is 1 - 7%, from 2 to 5 it is 1 - 6%, and then the norm remains unchanged 1 - 5%. A high level of eosinophils occurs with allergic sensitization, infectious diseases, tumors or diseases of the hematopoietic system. A decrease occurs under stress, purulent infections, injuries and burns, and intoxication.
• monocytes are responsible for recognizing foreign bodies. For newborns, the norm is 3 - 12%, then for a 2-week-old baby the indicator increases from 5 to 15%, for infants 4 - 10%, for children under 2 years old 3 - 10%, and then the indicator does not change. occurs with fungal and viral infections, rheumatic diseases, diseases of the hematopoietic system. And also possible during the recovery period. A decrease is observed during childbirth, shock, and when taking glucocorticoids. Also for aplastic anemia or hairy cell leukemia.
• basophils. The norm is 0 - 0.5% for everyone. An increase in basophils is observed in the following diseases: chicken pox, myxedema, chronic myeloid leukemia. For other diseases: Hodgkin's disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic anemia, nephrosis. A decrease in basophils occurs during pregnancy, ovulation, pneumonia, hyperthyroidism, and also with pathologies in the bone marrow.
• lymphocytes. Throughout life, this indicator changes. For newborns 15 - 35%, for infants up to 2 weeks 22 - 55%, for infants 45 - 70%, for children up to 2 years 37 - 60%, up to 5 years 33 - 55%, up to 8 years 30 - 50%, up to 15 years this figure is 30 - 45%, and then without changes 20 - 40%. An increase in lymphocytes indicates acute respiratory viral infections, viral infections, blood diseases, and poisoning. A decrease in lymphocytes is observed in acute infections and diseases, miliary tuberculosis, aplastic anemia, renal failure, and HIV infections.

The leukocyte blood count in children contains some differences depending on age.

For a newborn baby, the blood shape ratio is stable. However, the number increases by the 6th day to 49 - 60%, and neutrophils decrease to 35 - 48%.

In the first months of life, the child develops a leukoformula, which will persist for a whole year. Indicators for infants have some differences in lability; they can easily be disrupted by the child’s indignation or anxiety, illness, or climate change. Up to 6 years, the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes increases. Closer to 15 years, the leukogram becomes similar to an adult.

And so, it turned out that the leukocyte blood count in children will naturally change due to their age. The number of neutrophils in the blood of a newborn ranges from 51 to 71%, gradually increases in the first days of life, and then begins to decline sharply. At this time, the baby fluctuates from 15 to 35%, by the end of the second week it reaches 55%. When the baby is 6-7 days old, the curves of lymphocytes and neurophils converge. This intersection is called the first intersection.

As for basophilic ones, they are almost absent in newborns. The number of monocytes in the blood ranges from 6.5 to 11%, and at the end of the first week from 8.4 to 14.1%. Plasma cells are quite small from 6.4 to 11.2%. In babies up to a week old, there is a clear shift to the left according to Schilling, which is balanced until the end of the week.

During the month of life, the baby’s leukogram is drawn, which will be present throughout the first year. In it, lymphocytes have an advantage; there is always a shift of neutrophils to the left side, balanced monocytosis and the presence of plasma cells. Differential white blood cell counts in infants vary widely.

When a child already goes to school, their number decreases, and neutrophils increase. The number of monocytes also decreases slightly, and plasma cells cease to be present. At the age of 15, the leukogram becomes closer to adults. An accurate assessment of the ratios of various forms of leukocytes in the blood is of great importance in diseases.

How to determine the type of infection

The leukoformula in children and adults provides answers to many questions regarding diseases of an infectious nature. But how to distinguish between viral and bacterial?
When taking a smear, blood is smeared onto a glass. After this, the laboratory doctor takes a microscope, puts it down and looks, observing the behavior of leukocytes. When he saw it, he determined by its appearance what type it was and wrote down the quantity of each type. He does this until he gets 100.

The relationship of different blood cells shows the type of infection. If a large percentage of lymphocytes predominates, then it is a viral infection; if it is neutrophils, then it is bacterial.

The main fighter against infections and bacteria is the segmented neutrophil. It is the most popular cell in the blood. In other words, she is mature and ready to cope with all foreign bodies in the body. If there are a lot of them, then the body is protected from all bacteria.

However, in order for a segmented neutrophil to become mature, it must undergo a series of transformations. First, he is born in the form of another neutrophil - a band neutrophil. And when the human body is attacked by any disease, information is sent to the bone marrow so that the production of young stab cells begins. And if there are a lot of them, this means that there is an acute bacterial infection.

To educate and protect yourself and, first of all, your baby, in our time it is possible to undergo many examinations and diagnostics. Especially on the content of leukocytes in the baby’s blood. After all, this is very important information about your child’s health.

Test indications

There are a number of necessary cases for taking a blood test:

• It is necessary to be examined by a doctor once a year
• for complications in diseases
• when tired.

Analysis of ESR allows you to estimate a certain rate of sedimentation and separation of blood into plasma and erythrocytes. This method is very effective and reliable since in the 21st century technology does not stand still and medicine needs high-quality diagnosis of any type of disease or epidemic problem, etc. The popularity of this analysis has increased since it is technically simple and accessible, and the results are reliable. But if everything is normal with the indicators, can we assume that the person is not sick? And what if it's the other way around?

Good erythrocyte sedimentation rate results do not mean that the human body is not affected by bacteria or infections. Referring to the data, most patients have ESR less than 20 mm/hour. And in some places, even with an elevated ESR of 100 mm/hour, it is not possible to find out about the signs of the disease.

Therefore, an increase in ESR in the blood in most cases occurs when:

• infections, since infectious processes increase ESR
• malignant diseases (solitary tumors, etc.)
• rheumatological
• kidney pathology.

For this method, a Panchenkov apparatus is used, which consists of 100 mm pipettes and a tripod. The analysis is performed on the basis of blood from a vein or from a capillary into which a substance is placed that prevents it from clotting. In this case, the smear is placed in a thin test tube and watched for about an hour. The test tube is made of glass or plastic. During this time, the separation into red blood cells and plasma occurs separately. The ESR is calculated based on the dimensions from the edge at the top of the plasma to the red blood cells. The normal indicator is a slow sedimentation of erythrocytes, behind which there is a remainder of pure plasma.

There is another “stopped flow” method, which involves stirring the sample to disaggregate the red blood cells. This process must be carried out efficiently, otherwise microclots can change the result. Measurements range from 2 to 120mm/hour. The results are highly accurate.

When protein levels are high, red blood cells stick together. Therefore, they drop very quickly, and the ESR in the blood increases its level. As a result, acute or chronic illness can lead to an increase in ESR. Women have a higher ESR than men, since there are fewer of them.

The ESR norm for adolescents under 15 years of age: 2-20 mm/hour, from 15 to 50: 2-15 mm/hour, and after 50: 2-20 mm/hour. For women, permissible values ​​up to 50 range from 2 to 20 mm/hour, and after 50 from 2 to 30 mm/hour.

What is the need

This is necessary for diagnosing acute or chronic diseases, cancer infections. However, this type of analysis is carried out in combination with others, since it does not give an accurate answer to the type of origin of the disease, its development and outcome.

Indicated for monitoring infectious, oncological and autoimmune diseases. And also in combination with a leukocyte blood count or a general blood test.

A clinical blood test can provide many answers to complex diagnoses and diseases, as well as describe a person’s condition. However, decoding should be done by an experienced specialist who can give an accurate description and correct the treatment process.

Blood consists of a liquid part - plasma, as well as cells (formed elements), the concentration of which can vary significantly under various pathological conditions. Deciphering a clinical blood test allows us to judge the possible presence or absence of inflammation, intoxication of the body, dehydration (dehydration), bleeding, cancer, diseases of the hematopoietic system, etc.

What blood tests are taken?

Modern laboratory diagnostics are based mainly on blood tests. The indicators of this main connecting substance of the body can tell a lot about the state of human health. The most informative - and therefore most often carried out - are biochemical and general blood tests.

What is a complete blood count?

A general blood test is one of the most important clinical studies, which is carried out for most diseases, as well as as part of a preventive examination (dispensary examination). When diagnosing blood diseases, this test plays a leading role.

Important:A general blood test is taken from a finger prick on an empty stomach in the morning. To avoid distorting the results, you should not eat food for 8 hours, and you can only drink water.

Before the blood test, it is not allowed to drink drinks containing alcohol, as well as tea, andjuices

Traditionally, blood is collected from the ring finger by puncturing the skin with a sterile scarifier to a depth of 2-3 mm. The first drop is usually removed with a cotton swab, then blood is drawn to determine the level of hemoglobin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the next portion to determine the number of white and red blood cells. Smears for microscopy are made using slides.

Laboratory research suggests:

• determination of the number of different formed elements (cells);
• establishing the basic parameters of blood cells (size, type, etc.);
• measurement of hemoglobin level (concentration);
• determination of leukocyte formula;
• determination of hematocrit.

Main indicators of UAC

Hematocrit is a percentage that determines the volumetric ratio of cell mass to plasma. Erythrocyte indices reflect the main characteristics of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin (HGB) is a “respiratory pigment” - a compound of iron and protein, which is responsible for transporting oxygen to organs and tissues.

note: a physiological decrease in hemoglobin levels is possible in babies of the first year of life.

A low hemoglobin level indicates the development of anemia (anemia).

Important:anemia often develops against the background of blood loss, impaired formation of red cells, or their accelerated destruction. It can be a clinical manifestation of a number of pathologies or be an independent disease.

Red blood cells(RBC)- These are highly differentiated cellular elements. They lack nuclei, and the intracellular space is filled with hemoglobin.

The color index of red blood cells reflects the level of respiratory pigment in these red blood cells.

Mean erythrocyte volume (MCV) is an indicator that is used in the diagnosis of various types of anemia. Also, in the differential diagnosis of types of anemia, an indicator that reflects the average hemoglobin content in red blood cells is certainly taken into account.

Distribution of red blood cells by size (RDW) allows you to determine the degree of anisocytosis, i.e. the presence of red cells of different volumes.

Reticulocytes called young forms of red cells.

Platelets(PLT)- These are cells formed in the red bone marrow that are responsible for the blood clotting process. The granules of these non-nuclear formed elements contain coagulation factors and biologically active substances that are released when platelets are activated. These cells can attach to the walls of blood vessels and to each other, forming a clot that “clogs” damage to the vessel walls. The lifespan of a platelet in the blood is no more than 1-1.5 weeks. An increase in bleeding develops if the concentration of these cells is less than 50x10 3. Such conditions can pose a serious threat to the patient's life.

note: in the blood test of a pregnant woman, the number of platelets is reduced, which is normal. Physiological thrombocytopenia is also recorded in women during menstruation. The number of these cells increases during physical activity.

ESR is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In women, this indicator is normally higher than in men, which is explained by regular physiological blood loss. An increase in ESR may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process, the presence of infectious agents in the body, or intoxication.

White blood cells (WBC) are white blood cells produced in the lymphatic system and bone marrow. They provide protection to the body by recognizing and neutralizing foreign agents, as well as their own cells that have undergone pathological changes. Leukocytosis (an increase in the number of white blood cells), as a rule, indicates the development of an inflammatory process. Leukocytes in particular include neutrophils (band and segmented), basophils, eosinophils, monocytes (large white cells) and lymphocytes (elements responsible for acquired).

An increase in the number of eosinophils often indicates helminthic infestations or the presence of diseases of allergic origin.

Blood test results are prepared in the laboratory within one day.

Normal indicators

Only a doctor can interpret the results, that is, draw any conclusions based on the data obtained during a laboratory blood test. However, some conclusions can be drawn by comparing your complete finger prick blood test with the reference (normal) values ​​in the tables provided.

Important:The blood test results for an adult differ from the results of this study in a child.

Table of blood test norms for adults:

Table for deciphering blood tests in children (normal):

What do deviations indicate?

A cause for concern may be leukocytosis, i.e. an increase in the number of white blood cells.

The reason for the increase in the number of leukocytes is such pathologies as:

• bacterial infections accompanied by purulent inflammation;
• any ;
• blood diseases (leukemia).

If leukocytosis occurs, then this is a reason for a thorough and comprehensive medical examination. If an infectious disease is suspected, an additional blood test for antibodies may be performed.

Important: It should be taken into account that the number of leukocytes may temporarily increase in the postoperative period, after vaccination, as well as after eating or significant physical activity.

Leukopenia (decrease in the number of white blood cells) is often caused by a lack of vitamins, unfavorable environmental conditions or viral infections. As a rule, it is not a cause for serious concern.

ESR depends on the positive charge on red blood cells, which causes them to repel each other. In some pathologies, red blood cells lose their charge, as a result of which they begin to settle faster.

You should undergo an examination if the indicator is 3-5 times higher than normal values.

The reason for the increase in ESR may be:

• kidney disease - inflammation of the renal pelvis () or glomeruli (glomerulonephritis);
• bacterial (pneumonia);
• foci of purulent inflammation (abscesses and phlegmon);
• (generalized process);
• inflammatory diseases of the pancreas, gall bladder and other organs of the digestive system;
• diseases of rheumatic (autoimmune) origin - rheumatoid arthritis and SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus);
• malignant neoplasms.

Important: To exclude cancer, a special clinical blood test is performed for tumor markers.

Women should not worry if the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases before the onset of menstruation - this is a physiological norm. The indicator is also increased during pregnancy (from the 5th week) and returns to normal only by the fourth week after the baby is born.

Thrombocytopenia is defined as a decrease in platelet count below 100 × 109/L.

Possible causes of thrombocytopenia may be:

• acute infectious diseases;
• aplastic form of anemia;
• malignant blood diseases (leukemia).

note: Particular caution should be exercised when detecting a decrease in the number of platelets in a blood test in pregnant women. One of the causes of the pathology is antiphospholipid syndrome, which quite often leads to miscarriage.

Thrombocytosis (an increase in the number of these cells) indicates the possible presence of the following pathologies:

• acute inflammation;
• exacerbation of chronic inflammatory process;
• amyloidosis (protein metabolism disorder);
• malignant tumors.

note : There is no reason to worry if thrombocytosis is recorded in the postoperative period or after significant physical activity.

A decrease in hemoglobin levels most likely indicates iron deficiency anemia.

Reasons for low hemoglobin levels may include:

• hypovitaminosis of vitamin B12, caused by a violation of its absorption (typical for patients suffering from the atrophic form of gastritis and for elderly and senile people);
• absence of animal products in the diet (vegetarian diet);
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• regular blood loss (including physiological during menstruation).

General blood analysis, perhaps the most common test that doctors prescribe in order to correctly diagnose and conduct a study of the patient’s health status. But what comes in the answer does not tell the patient anything; to understand what all these numbers mean, we provide you interpretation of blood test values.

A general blood test is divided into:

• Blood chemistry;
• Immunological blood test;
• Hormonal blood test;
• Serological blood tests.

Blood test interpretation:

Now, more about the main indicators of a general blood test.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is the blood pigment of red blood cells. Its function is to transfer oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs, and carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

Hemoglobin increase:

• staying at high altitudes
• polycythemia (increased red blood cell count)
• dehydration and blood thickening

Decreased hemoglobin:

• anemia

Color index

The color index shows the relative content of hemoglobin in red blood cells. This indicator is important in diagnosing anemia.

Increase in color index:

• spherocytosis

Reduced color index:

• Iron-deficiency anemia

Red blood cells

Red blood cells are red blood cells that are produced in the red bone marrow. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin and carry oxygen.

Increased red blood cells:

• dehydration
• polycythemia

Decreased red blood cells:

• anemia

Leukocytes

White blood cells. Formed in red bone marrow. The function of leukocytes is to protect the body from foreign substances and microbes. In other words, it is immunity.

There are different types of leukocytes, so a change in the number of individual types, and not all leukocytes in general, is of diagnostic importance.

Increase in leukocytes:

• infections, inflammation
• allergy
• leukemia
• condition after acute bleeding, hemolysis

Decrease in leukocytes:

• bone marrow pathology
• infections (flu, rubella, measles, etc.)
• genetic abnormalities of immunity
• increased spleen function

Leukocyte formula

Percentage of different types of leukocytes. Neutrophils: cells responsible for inflammation, fighting infection (except viral ones), nonspecific defense (immunity), removing one’s own dead cells. Mature neutrophils have a segmented nucleus, while young ones have a rod-shaped nucleus.

Increased leukocyte count:

• intoxication
• infections
• inflammatory process
• malignant tumors
• psycho-emotional arousal

Decrease in leukocyte formula:

• aplastic anemia, bone marrow pathology
• genetic immune disorders
• some infections (viral, chronic)

Eosinophils

Decrease in eosinophils:

• purulent infections
• surgery

Basophils

When basophils enter the tissues, they turn into mast cells, which are responsible for the release of histamine - a hypersensitivity reaction to food, drugs, etc.

Increased basophils:

• chicken pox
• hypersensitivity reactions
• chronic sinusitis
• hypothyroidism

Decrease in basophils:

• pregnancy
• ovulation
• acute infections
• hyperthyroidism
• stress

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are the main cells of the human body's immune system. They fight viral infections, destroy foreign cells and altered own cells, and release antibodies (immunoglobulins) into the blood - substances that block antigen molecules and remove them from the body.

Increased lymphocytes:

• lymphocytic leukemia
• viral infections

Decreased lymphocytes:

• loss of lymph
• aplastic anemia
• acute infections (non-viral) and diseases
• immunodeficiency states
• systemic lupus erythematosus

Monocytes

Monocytes are the largest white blood cells. They finally destroy foreign cells and proteins, foci of inflammation, and destroyed tissues. Monocytes are the most important cells of the immune system; it is monocytes that are the first to encounter antigen and present it to lymphocytes for the development of a full immune response.

Increased monocytes:

• leukemia
• tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, syphilis
• infections (viral, fungal, protozoal)
• systemic connective tissue diseases (arthritis, periarteritis nodosa, systemic lupus erythematosus)

Decrease in monocytes:

• hairy cell leukemia
• aplastic anemia

ESR

ESR is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate when blood settles. The ESR level depends directly on the number of red blood cells, their “weight” and shape, as well as on the properties of the blood plasma - the amount of proteins, as well as viscosity.

Increasing ESR:

• inflammatory process
• infections
• anemia
• malignant tumors
• pregnancy

Reticulocytes

Reticulocytes are young forms of red blood cells. Normally they should be located in the bone marrow. Their excess blood output indicates an increased rate of red blood cell formation.

Increased reticulocytes:

• increased formation of red blood cells in anemia (blood loss, iron deficiency, hemolytic)

Decrease in reticulocytes:

• kidney diseases
• disorders of red blood cell maturation (B12 folate deficiency anemia)
• aplastic anemia

Platelets

Platelets are platelets of blood that are formed from giant cells in the bone marrow. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting.

Increase in platelets:

• inflammatory process
• myeloid leukemia
• polycythemia
• condition after surgery

Decreased platelets:

• aplastic anemia
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• thrombocytopenic purpura
• hemolytic disease, isoimmunization by blood groups, Rh factor
• hemolytic anemia

However, it is worth remembering that only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis and interpret the tests. All of the above is for guidance only, but not for independent diagnosis.