A small blood count determines the number of blood cells . Doctors also refer to this blood test as a hemogram or blood status. The number of erythrocytes ( red blood cells ), leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombocytes (blood platelets) is determined. The small blood count is the most common blood test to diagnose diseases.
Furthermore, the proportion of the blood pigment hemoglobin and the volume of the red blood cells (hematocrit) are determined. Other laboratory values that show the percentage of erythrocytes made up of solid components and hemoglobin are also determined (values: MCV, MCHC, MCH).
What you should know about the small blood count:
- The small blood count is a routine examination and is carried out frequently
- The small blood count provides an overview of the number of different blood components
- A small blood count is also taken before operations to anticipate possible complications
- Too high or too low values of the individual blood cells have different (mostly harmless) causes
- Slight deviations from the standard values are no cause for concern
Values in the small blood count
Blood count table with the normal values
| normal values | explanation of the values | values in women | values in men |
| erythrocytes | erythrocyte count | from 3.9 to 5.3 million/ µl | from 4.3 – 5.7 million/ µl |
| leukocytes | leukocyte count | from 3800 to 10500 µl | from 3800 to 10500 µl |
| platelets | platelet count | from 140,000 to 345,000 µl | from 140,000 to 345,000 µl |
| Hkt | hematocrit | from 37 to 48% | from 40 to 52% |
| Hb | concentration of hemoglobin | 12 – 16 g/dl | 13,5 – 17 g/dl |
| MCH | amount of hemoglobin | from 28 to 34 pg | from 28 to 34 pg |
| MCHC | average hemoglobin concentration | from 33 – 35 g/dl | from 33 to 36 g/dl |
| MCV | average erythrocyte volume | from 85 – 95 fl | from 85 – 95 fl |
| g = grams | µl = microliter = 10-6 = 1 millionth of a liter | dl = deciliter (100 milliliters) Control values Dr.H.Stephans, 04/28/2018 www.blutwert.info |
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Values in the small blood count
In order to determine a small blood count, the treating doctor takes a small blood sample from the vein. Previous food intake does not change the values to be determined, so that those affected do not have to be sober for a small blood count.
However, it is advisable to follow the doctor’s instructions so that further blood tests can be ordered after a small blood count.
The doctor does not examine the blood sample taken himself. With a corresponding patient sticker, this sample is sent to a specialized laboratory. There, with the help of the latest technology, the small blood count is created fully automatically. The treating physician is informed of the determined values in a so-called laboratory report.
Whether a value is within the so-called normal value depends on gender and age.
Your family doctor will explain your values to you and whether they are within the normal range or not.
With modern laboratory equipment, a small blood count can be easily determined fully automatically, quickly and without manual measurements.
Why are the values too low?
Iron or vitamin deficiencies can result in anemia. Most of the time you don’t even notice it and you feel tired and listless occasionally or more and more often. However, the reduced number of erythrocytes is responsible for this.
Even after an operation with a correspondingly high blood loss, the small blood count shows a lower value of the erythrocytes. People who drink too much water also suffer from this symptom.
If the number of leukocytes is too low, this is usually a sign of an infection. In rare cases, a certain form of leukemia can also be present. Those affected who are already being treated with chemotherapy also have a low leukocyte count in the small blood count.
If the number of thrombocytes is reduced, this can also be due to iron or vitamin deficiency. A more balanced diet and the intake of dietary supplements after consultation with the doctor treating you can quickly remedy the situation.
Furthermore, a reduced number of platelets is a symptom of infections, bleeding caused by taking various medications or, in rare cases, due to leukemia.
Why are the values too high?
Elevated erythrocytes are usually measured in holidaymakers from the mountains who enjoy hiking. The body adapts to the oxygen-poor air by producing more erythrocytes, which transport oxygen through the organism.
But even professional athletes who want to boost their success with doping are exposed to an increased number of erythrocytes. If there is a lack of oxygen because the lungs or heart are diseased, the number of erythrocytes is also increased. Specific cancer diseases can also have this effect.
If there is an acute inflammation or infection, for example a cold, the number of leukocytes is increased.
Caution is advised if the number of platelets is increased: the risk of a blood clot then increases. Diseases of the bone marrow or certain cancers can be the cause here, among other things.
The values of the small blood count have changed – what now?
The most important thing first: Small deviations in the small blood count are usually no cause for concern. A check-up appointment and the creation of another small blood count after a while is usually sufficient and the values are “in range” again.
Minor infections that do not cause any significant symptoms can cause small fluctuations. In women, the monthly menstrual period can also lead to changed values.
If there is a need for clarification, your doctor will explain to you exactly what the deviating values could mean and will arrange for further examinations. In the case of deficiency symptoms, for example iron deficiency, taking dietary supplements promises rapid treatment success.
When does a small blood count need to be determined?
The small blood count is a routine examination of general health care. There is therefore no need for a specific reason to carry out this investigation. Even if your family doctor is specifically looking for something, a small blood count can be helpful.
Possible suspected diagnoses that make a small blood count necessary are, for example: anemia, bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infections, blood clotting disorders, serious illnesses such as cancer. A small blood count is also necessary before an operation in order to prevent possible complications. This includes, for example, a reduced number of thrombocytes, which results in an increased tendency to bleed.
However, there is no reason to worry if your family doctor orders a small blood count.
Sources
Marlies Michl: BASICS Hematology. 4th edition. Munich 2016: Elsevier/Urban & Fischer-Verlag. ISBN-10: 3437421697.
- Overview of the blood values of the small blood count: www.leukocytes-info.de/blood values.html
- Discoverer of the blood cells www.erythrozyten.net/biografien/jan-swammerdam.php
