A complete blood count (abbreviated as KLA) is perhaps the main examination method that helps diagnose most diseases. The popularity of the study is due to the relative simplicity of its conduct and the possibility of obtaining a quick result, thanks to which it is possible to establish the cause of a disease in the shortest possible time.
What are the
norms of blood tests in children and how to take them correctly? We will try to answer this question.
KLA in children. What is it for?
Thanks to such a study, the following parameters of the child's condition can be determined:
- the number of red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells;
- hemoglobin level ;
- the ratio of red blood cells to plasma;
- erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Analysis preparation
To obtain a reliable result, you should prepare the baby. So, a general blood test in children, however, as in adults, is taken exclusively in the morning on an empty stomach. Therefore, morning feeding and even a little drink are excluded in this case. It is also not recommended to take any medications the day before, except in critical cases. Since it is difficult for infants to withstand large intervals between feedings, for such children it is permissible to take an analysis after some time (two or three hours) after the child has eaten.
How is going
Blood for examination is taken from the finger using a scarifier tool. The laboratory technician performs a puncture of the skin on the finger, from which blood appears. Using a pipette, it is collected in a special vessel.
Norms of blood tests in childrenAfter conducting a laboratory study, the interpretation of the results begins. Before considering the norms of blood tests in children, it should be noted that the following indicators reflect the normal values for a one-year-old child. Due to the rapid growth of the baby, the various speeds of metabolic processes, the results of the study can seriously vary. Therefore, the norm of blood tests in children for each age, and also depending on gender, is different.
- Hemoglobin . The norm is 110-135 g / l. A higher hemoglobin content may indicate heart defects, blood clotting. A reduced content is characteristic of anemia.
- Red blood cells . The norm is 3.6-4.9 x 10 12 / l. A reduced value indicates a lack of iron, protein and vitamins. Increased may be a sign of hypoxia and blood clotting (depending on whether the value is absolute or relative).
- Platelets . The scope of the norm is quite wide - from 180 and up to 400 x 10 9 / l. A greater number of platelets indicates a possible inflammation in the body and is a characteristic condition after surgery. A decrease in platelet count is observed in newborns in case of prematurity.
- The erythrocyte sedimentation rate . The normal value is 4-12 mm / h. An increased sedimentation rate is observed in inflammatory processes in the body, intoxication, infections, and kidney diseases. A reduced value may appear due to weight loss, starvation.
- White blood cells . Leukocytosis (an increased number of leukocytes) occurs with acute inflammation, tumors, burns. Leukopenia (low value) is a consequence of starvation, a physiological condition, can be hereditary. The norm is 6.0-12.0 x 10 9 / l.
It should be noted that the above norms of blood tests in children are arbitrary values, and each specific analysis requires mandatory decryption by the attending pediatrician.