How to decipher a general blood test in adults: normal indicators, deviations

A complete blood count is the most commonly prescribed laboratory test. This is due to the fact that with its help it is possible to evaluate the parameters of the patient’s liquid connective tissue and make primary conclusions regarding his health status.

The composition of human blood is represented by more than one hundred components. At the same time, several are clinically significant, it is their assessment that allows one to suspect the presence of a disease in a patient.

Deciphering a general blood test in an adult is quite difficult, since a deviation from the norm of one or another indicator can indicate the development of many pathological processes. Initially, the doctor studies the results of the study, and then on their basis can prescribe the passage of more specific tests.

The following describes how to decipher a general blood test in an adult, in addition, information is provided on which indicators are clinically significant. But it is important to understand that the information is for reference only. If there are deviations of indicators from the norm, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Only a specialist will be able to correctly interpret the general blood test in adults.

White blood cells

These are cells related to the human immune system. Their main task is to protect the body from the negative effects of pathogenic microorganisms and destroy them.

There are several types of cells in the white blood cell series. These include: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Each of them performs certain tasks. Some are responsible for detecting foreign agents, others distribute cells according to the principle of “their own and others”, others are necessary for transmitting information to young leukocytes (this is necessary for the formation of immune memory), etc. Monocytes are given special importance. They are intended for the absorption and subsequent dissolution of foreign agents.

Despite the fact that there are several types of cells related to the immune system, when deciphering the results of a general blood test in adults, doctors also evaluate the overall leukocyte count.

The norm of their content in liquid connective tissue for persons of both sexes is from 4 to 9%. If the norms for adult women and men are exceeded in a general blood test, this means that there are more immune cells in the body. On the one hand, this suggests that a pathological process is developing, on the other, it is a good sign, since the protective resources that fight the disease are activated as much as possible.

If the results of a general blood test in adults, white blood cells are increased by 2-3 times, this may indicate the progression of the following diseases and the presence of conditions:

• Bacterial infection.
• Intoxication.
• Acute inflammatory process.
• Myocardial infarction.
• Blood loss.
• Shock state.
• Sepsis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Metastases of a malignant neoplasm localized in the bone marrow.
• An allergic reaction (including medication).
• Diseases of the digestive system.
• Pathology of the thyroid gland.
• Violations in the work of the spleen.
• Influenza
• Hepatitis C.
• Ailments that can be ill only once (for example, measles, rubella, chickenpox).

An insignificant deviation from generally accepted values ​​to a larger side (less than 2 times) is associated with natural physiological processes and is not an alarming sign. But if in the general analysis of the blood of an adult woman or man the leukocytes are significantly increased, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of all immune cells. If the disease causes a deviation, the proportions of their growth will be violated.

Decreased leukocytes cause more concern in doctors. This is due to the fact that this condition always indicates the presence of pathology in the patient's body.

The main reasons for reducing the overall level of white blood cells:

• Deficiency of substances necessary for the formation of young cells.
• Oncological diseases.
• Infectious pathologies.
• Intoxication process.
• Bacterial infection.
• Severe forms of hepatitis or flu.
• Bone marrow impairment.

It is worth noting that a slight deviation from the norm is also not a cause for panic. If the white blood cells are reduced, for example, by 2 times, it is already necessary to consult a doctor and undergo additional, more specific tests.

Lymphocytes

These are cells of the protective system, the main task of which is the formation of a protective reaction to any stimuli. At the same time, they carry out the struggle not with external, but with internal affected cells, for example, with cancerous, mutating, viral, etc.

In its original form, this type of leukocyte stays for about 2 days. Then the glands of the body distribute them into the following types:

• T lymphocytes. They can also be helpers, killers and suppressors.
• B lymphocytes. Responsible for the formation of immune memory and stability.
• NK lymphocytes. Designed to eliminate their own affected cells.

If the results of a general blood test in adults indicate that lymphocytes are in the range from 18 to 40%, this is normal.

Reasons for the increase:

• The presence of infectious or inflammatory processes.
• Progression of pathologies of bacterial or viral etiology.
• Transition to the stage of recovery.
• The presence of a pathology, which, as a rule, is sick once in a lifetime (for example, mononucleosis, chickenpox, measles, rubella, etc.).
• Oncological diseases.
• Poisoning the body with chemicals, heavy metals and drugs.

If lymphocytes are lowered in a general adult blood test, this may indicate the following:

• The pathology has just begun to develop in the body.
• Man has been taking cytostatics or corticosteroids for a long time.
• The body is in the process of active life of the causative agent of tuberculosis or HIV.
• About the presence of anemia, leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, lymphosarcoma, cancerous tumors, Itsenko-Cushing's disease.

It is important to know that a low concentration of lymphocytes is an alarming sign. It often indicates the presence of severe and often incurable pathologies.

Eosinophils

These are white blood cells that are actively involved in the formation of an allergic reaction. In addition, they are responsible for triggering immune defense mechanisms for helminthic invasions.

Eosinophils are very aggressive cells. This is due to the fact that they are capable of absorbing foreign particles.

When decoding a general blood test in adult women and men, the doctor must evaluate the level of eosinophils. Normally, it should vary between 0.5-5%.

The concentration of these cells most often increases in the presence of the following infectious pathologies:

• Sepsis.
• Typhoid fever.
• Diphtheria.
• Dysentery.
• Peritonitis.
• Pneumonia.

In practice, an increase in the level of eosinophils is more common. The reasons for this condition:

• Serum sickness.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Hives.
• Giardiasis
• Malaria.
• Echinococcosis.
• Trichinosis.
• Hay fever.
• Diphyllobothriasis.
• Pathology of connective tissue.
• Blood disease.
• Eczema.
• Systemic vasculitis.
• Dermatitis.
• Lichen.

Sometimes it happens that against the background of the course of acute inflammatory processes, eosinophils are completely absent in the general analysis of blood in an adult. This condition can also be the norm. Often, eosinophils are not detected after recently undergoing operations and with prolonged exposure to stress.

Basophils

This is one of the types of leukocytes whose main task is to participate in the hypersensitivity reaction, both immediate and delayed. Basophils are the first to be at the site of inflammation and call on the remaining cells to start a fight with a foreign agent.

Their norm in the general analysis of blood in an adult is 0.5%. An increase in their number may indicate the presence of:

• Gastritis
• Enterocolitis.
• Peptic ulcer.
• The inflammatory process in the liver.
• Leukemia.
• Anemia
• Hemophilia.
• Lymphogranulomatosis.
• Allergies.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Oncological disease.
• Hypothyroidism
• Hodgkin's disease.

It is worth noting that in practice, an increase in the number of basophils is rare. More often, a decrease in their level is detected. In this case, the cause may be:

• Any disease occurring in an acute form.
• Mental or nervous breakdown.
• Hyperthyroidism
• Pneumonia.
• Acute Leukemia

In addition, the number of basophils decreases after radiation therapy.

Neutrophils

Among all white blood cells, these are the most numerous cells. Their task is to enter the fight against the infectious agent and its absorption. Results in the range of 48 to 78% are normal in a general blood test in adults.

The reason for the increase in neutrophils in the blood is the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Moreover, the stronger it is expressed, the greater the number of these cells will circulate in the fluid connective tissue. Often the process proceeds with the formation of purulent contents.

A decrease in neutrophil levels is most often the result of physical or mental overwork. During the bearing of the child and after the meal, their number can also significantly decrease.

Monocytes

These are the largest white blood cells. Their task is also the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, they take care of removing the latter from the tissues and synthesize information molecules.

When decoding a general blood test in adult men and women, the doctor always estimates the percentage of monocytes. The norm is from 2 to 9% for people of both sexes.

An increase in the level of monocytes can be triggered by the following pathologies:

• Syphilis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Brucellosis.
• Sepsis.
• Endocarditis in the subacute stage.
• Enteritis.
• Ulcerative colitis.
• Pathologies of viral and fungal etiology.
• Lesions of the connective tissue of a systemic nature.
• Lymphoma
• Lymphogranulomatosis.
• Leukemia.
• Intoxication process.

The following pathologies can provoke a decrease in the level of monocytes:

• Anemia
• Acute infections.
• Leukemia
• Radiation sickness.

In addition, a deviation from generally accepted indicators to a smaller side can occur against the background of prolonged treatment with glucocorticosteroids.

The absence of monocytes in the blood is an alarming sign. It may indicate sepsis or severe leukemia.

Hemoglobin

This is a very complex iron-containing protein that performs a large number of vital functions. It is part of red blood cells.

One of the most important tasks of hemoglobin is the delivery of oxygen to each cell and the transfer of carbon dioxide to the lungs. In addition, the iron-containing protein is responsible for regulating the acid-base balance and is the first to take the blow when poisons enter the body.

Hemoglobin is a compound to which the doctor attaches particular importance to decoding a general blood test in adults. The norm for women is not less than 120 and not more than 140 g / l, for men - not less than 130 and not more than 160 g / l.

Increased hemoglobin is characteristic for climbers, skiers and residents of the highlands. In addition, it is often deviated from generally accepted values ​​in a large direction among athletes. This condition indicates the functioning of the compensation mechanism and does not require treatment.

However, hemoglobin levels may increase with the progression of the following diseases:

• Heart disease.
• Erythrocytosis.
• Diabetes.
• Heart or pulmonary failure.
• Blood cancer.
• Bowel obstruction.

In practice, hemoglobin is much more often detected. The main causes of this condition:

• Unbalanced diet.
• Vegetarianism.
• Helminthic infestations.
• Pathology of the digestive system.
• Blood loss (including hidden).

Unlike previous indicators, hemoglobin is a compound, and an excess and deficiency of which is manifested by pronounced symptoms. In a person, the well-being and condition of the skin, hair and nails are significantly worsened.

Red blood cells

These red bodies are the most numerous shaped elements of fluid connective tissue. Persons interested in deciphering a general blood test need to know that evaluating red blood cell counts is of particular clinical importance. This is due to the fact that their concentration can make more specific conclusions regarding the state of human health.

The norm for adult women is 3.7-4.7x10 ¹² , for men - 4-5.1x10 ¹² . The main reasons for the deviation from the generally accepted values ​​to a greater extent are dehydration and hypoxia, to a lesser extent - blood loss, unbalanced nutrition, the use of large amounts of water, the destruction of red blood cells against the background of severe pathologies.

In this case, the doctor must evaluate the ratio of other indicators when decoding the general analysis of blood in adults. It is customary to talk about the norm if they do not deviate in one direction or another. In this case, experts, as a rule, advise you to adjust the diet. If other indicators are not normal, additional diagnostic tests are prescribed.

Reticulocytes

These are red blood cell precursor cells. Their indicator reflects the regenerative function of the bone marrow. There are few young red blood cells in the blood. In women, the norm is a value in the range of 0.12-2.05%, in men - 0.24-1.70%.

An increase in the level of reticulocytes indicates the active work of the bone marrow. This occurs either after the successful treatment of anemia, or against the background of a massive loss of liquid connective tissue.

If the number of reticulocytes is negligible or they are not detected at all, this is considered an alarming sign for people suffering from anemia. This condition indicates that the regenerative function of the bone marrow is impaired.

Platelets

These are the formed elements of blood - the smallest and finest plates, the formation of which occurs in the bone marrow. Platelets are responsible for the coagulation of fluid connective tissue. After injury, it is these plates that rush to the lesion and, growing, literally patch the wound. At the same time, they prevent the penetration of pathogens through the area with impaired skin integrity.

How to decipher a general blood test? In adult men, the platelet norm is from 200 to 400 thousand units / μl, in women - from 180 to 320 thousand units / μl. In women, the indicator can significantly decrease during menstruation and during pregnancy. In other cases, the doctor has suspicions regarding the presence of any pathology in the patient's body.

Reasons for deviation from generally accepted norms in a big way:

• Tuberculosis.
• Lymphogranulomatosis.
• Leukemia
• Cancer of the kidney or liver.
• Arthritis.
• Erythrocytosis.
• Enteritis.
• Anemia.
• Impaired functioning of red brain stem cells.
• Severe blood loss.
• Intoxication of the body.
• Staying long under stress.

A decrease in platelet count in most cases suggests that the patient is fond of uncontrolled medication. Less often, a deviation from the norm downwards indicates the presence of:

• Cirrhosis.
• Hepatitis A.
• Bone marrow lesions.
• Leukemia.
• Hypo - or hyperthyroidism.
• Megaloblastic anemia.

In addition, this condition is characteristic of individuals who regularly consume alcohol-containing drinks.

ESR

Each person, regardless of whether he needs to know how to decipher a general blood test in an adult or not, knows that a high rate of erythrocyte sedimentation is an alarming sign that allows you to detect a pathological process in the body even at an early stage of its development .

The ESR norm for men from 15 to 50 years old is not less than 2 and not more than 15 mm / h, older than 50 years old - 2-20 mm / h. For women 15-50 years old - not less than 2 and not more than 20 mm / h, older than 50 years old - 2-30 mm / h.

Reasons for increasing ESR:

• Pathologies of an infectious nature (both acute and chronic).
• Inflammatory processes.
• Damage to the connective tissue.
• Oncology.
• Myocardial infarction.
• Anemia.
• Amyloidosis.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate also increases during pregnancy and oral contraceptives.

Reasons for reducing ESR:

• Hepatitis.
• DIC syndrome.
• Pathology of the lungs.
• Chronic heart failure.
• Spherocytosis of a hereditary nature.

In addition, ESR is lower than normal for vegetarians who do not consume not only meat, but also any other food that has animal origin.

Finally

Deciphering a general blood test of an adult person to a person without a medical education is very difficult.This is due to the fact that liquid connective tissue is represented by a large number of components, each of which is sensitive to the smallest changes in the body. This is manifested in the form of deviation of indicators from the norm to a greater or lesser extent. If the results do not correspond to generally accepted values, it is necessary to contact a medical institution as soon as possible. It is important to remember that only a doctor will be able to correctly decrypt the general blood test of an adult.