The leukocyte formula (leukogram) reveals the ratio in percent of various proteins in the blood. Get it when conducting a general analysis. The level of a particular type of white blood cell is due to a decrease or increase in other species. When decoding the leukocyte formula, the absolute number of white blood cells is taken into account.
In addition to general leukogram, there are so-called leukocyte indices, that is, a study of the ratios of different types of white bodies in the blood. One of the most common is the intoxication index, which serves to determine the severity of inflammation. There are also such indices as immunoreactivity, allergization and others. To determine the proportion of white blood cells, you need a special analysis, the logical result of which will be the leukoformula. What can cause a left shift of the leukocyte formula? We will understand in this article.
White blood cell types
The leukogram shows the ratio of the following main varieties: monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils. Different types of white blood cells have different structures and applications. Depending on the presence of granules in them, which can perceive color, two types of leukocytes are distinguished: granulocytes and agranulocytes.
The composition of granulocytes includes basophils (perceive alkaline color), eosinophils (acidic), neutrophils (both dyes). Agranulocytes include T- and B-lymphocytes, as well as monocytes.
The functions of white blood cells
White blood cells perform the following functions:
- T lymphocytes eliminate cancer cells and foreign microorganisms. B cells produce antibodies.
- Monocytes take part in phagocytosis, neutralize microorganisms, and also form an immune response and regenerate tissues.
- Basophils contribute to the migration of other species in the tissue to the center of inflammation, are involved in allergic reactions.
- Eosinophils actively move and are capable of phagocytosis. Form allergic and inflammatory reactions, while releasing histamine.
- Neutrophils perform phagocytic defense - they absorb foreign organisms. They also secrete bactericidal substances.
Leukocyte shift to the left
During various kinds of diseases, to determine the nature of inflammation in the body, an analysis is prescribed to determine the number of white blood cells in the blood. Blood can be taken both venous and capillary (from the finger).
The composition of leukocytes, their norms and deviations are calculated by the leukocyte formula, which is a proportion in percent of different types of leukocytes. It must be borne in mind that such a formula for all patients with the same diagnosis may vary. Influence is also exerted by age indicators.
Technique
Preparation for a blood test is not difficult: the patient should simply refuse food four hours before the procedure, and on the eve it is necessary to avoid emotional and physical stress.
The material for determining the formula is venous blood. Before this, the laboratory assistant must squeeze the patient's forearm with a special belt, and then insert a thin needle into the vein located in the bend of the elbow, through which the blood will enter the tube. Such a process cannot be called painless, but most often the pain is not too strong. As a result, a drop of blood is obtained and placed on a glass plate to determine the proportion of leukocytes and their number using a microscope. If the clinic has modern equipment, then the analyzer counts the particles - a special apparatus, and human intervention is necessary only in case of serious deviations from the norm or the presence of particles of anomalous nature.
The time taken to get the result mainly depends on the institution where the study is conducted. Usually you have to wait no more than a few days. The attending physician should evaluate the obtained indicators. When decoding, you can detect a left shift of the leukocyte formula.
What can the shift talk about?
A shift of the leukogram to the left, that is, an increased number of stab neutrophils, indicates the occurrence of various infectious diseases and inflammatory processes. In general, neutrophils occupy more than 50% of the total number of leukocytes. Their main purpose is to fight infections that enter the bloodstream, to absorb foreign microorganisms.
A shift to the left can also occur due to excessive physical exertion, and in this case it is called reactive and does not require medical intervention, since after rest the formula will be restored and return to normal. In addition, a leukocyte formula with such a shift can talk about acidosis, that is, an imbalance in the balance of acid and alkali in the body, its increase, and a precomatous state. This is what a left shift means.
Causes
We list the reasons for the increase in neutrophils:
- inflammatory processes of joints and internal organs;
- various infections;
- postoperative condition;
- tissue ischemia;
- the presence of diabetes;
- oncological diseases;
- poisoning by any poisonous substances: either trapped inside the body or acting through vapors (for example, lead or mercury vapors);
- exposure to various drugs.
To detect a shift in the formula of leukocytes, a special blood test is required . The type of analysis and its method will be determined by the specialist himself. It must be remembered that in the presence of a shift of any type, the inflammatory process itself or the disease of any organs that affect the deviations of the level of leukocytes in the blood from normal values should be detected. Setting the right cause of the shift of the leukogram to the left becomes the key to a correct diagnosis and guarantees successful treatment, which will bring the body back to normal much faster.
Concomitant symptoms
The following symptoms may indicate that the norm of the number of leukocytes is exceeded in the body:
- general weakness;
- fatigue;
- pressure reduction;
- dizziness.
The patient is able to independently determine the signs of a shift in the leukocyte formula. Having noticed them, you need to contact a specialist who will send the patient for the necessary tests and prescribe him individual treatment.
Determination of the shift of the formula is done in the morning, when the blood sugar is minimal, and the body rested from all sorts of loads.
Absolute and relative changes in blood leukogram
A change in the composition of leukocytes in the formula leads specialists to believe that relative monocytopenia, neutropenia, or eosinopenia occurs. Other diseases may also be included in this list: lymphocytosis, neutrophilia, relative monocytosis.
If the changes in the number of leukocytes is absolute, we can conclude that there is absolute lymphopenia, monocytopenia and neutropenia,
When the leukocyte count changes, both absolute and relative composition should be taken into account. Absolute numbers show the true content of all types of white blood cells. Relative characteristics only help determine the proportion of different cells in one unit of blood. Most often, the direction of change is identical.
It must be borne in mind that sometimes neutrophilia and neutropenia are combined. To determine the absolute number of different types of white blood cells, you must first calculate this value, taking into account the total number of white blood cells and the percentage of cellular composition.
We examined what a left shift of the leukocyte formula means.