A clinical blood test (general analysis) is a test that allows you to evaluate blood counts in total. We are talking about hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, the color index and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This analysis is mandatory, but there are other types: biochemical and blood tests for antibodies. The general test is used in all known types of medicine and makes it possible to diagnose a large number of diseases.
In addition, it is used to monitor the progress of the disease, to monitor the course of pregnancy, as well as to prevent health problems. Each indicator has its own boundaries, which are considered normal. A decrease or increase in these indicators is the basis for compiling a clinical picture of the disease. Deciphering the results of blood tests is considered the prerogative of doctors, and this is true, but you can make an idea of the results yourself. This article will help you with this.
Deciphering blood test results
When conducting a general analysis, many indicators are taken into account. As a rule, the decryption is carried out by a doctor who knows the Latin abbreviations and boundaries of indicators accepted in medicine. Valid numbers are often indicated on modern forms, and in order to have an idea of your results, you need to know the following. One of the important indicators is hemoglobin, which takes part in the transfer between the lungs and cells of all organs of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It is he who makes the blood red. Hematocrit is an indicator of the ratio of red blood cells and blood plasma: with large losses of blood, its level decreases. Red blood cells - a kind of transport for oxygen. You should know that for men and women, the norm of the level of red blood cells is different. Platelets take part in
the coagulation process; a blood test also shows them. Lymphocytes and white blood cells are your body’s immune system. Granulocytes fight infections that enter the body, with allergens and inflammatory pathogens. ESR indirectly reflects the plasma protein content and indicates a possible inflammation. Deciphering the results of blood tests is not limited only to these indicators, there are much more. However, only the attending physicians need to know all of them.
How to make a jab
As the decoding of the results of blood tests showed, when performing the test, many parameters are taken into account, because of which it can seem very complicated. But this is not so: the procedure is quite simple. Blood donation is necessary on an empty stomach, and it is best if the last meal was at least eight hours before the procedure. If this condition is difficult to observe, then after the last meal should pass at least two hours. Blood is drawn from the ring finger (sometimes from the vein) using a special device - a scarifier. The finger is treated with an alcohol solution, punctured, and the protruding liquid is collected in a thin tube. The procedure takes less than one minute.