What Is Haemogram Test?

A haemogram test, also known as a complete blood count (CBC), is a diagnostic blood test that provides detailed information about the cells in your blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. It measures various parameters such as hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and the total and differential counts of WBCs. 

This test is commonly used to evaluate overall health, detect a wide range of disorders like anemia, infections, and clotting problems, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. The haemogram is a routine and essential test for identifying abnormalities in blood composition and function.

Why is a Haemogram Test needed?

A haemogram test is needed to evaluate overall health and detect a variety of medical conditions by analyzing the components of blood. It helps diagnose disorders such as anemia, infections, inflammation, clotting problems, and blood cancers. It acts as an effective screening tool for different haemoglobin abnormalities guiding the clinician to perform further diagnostic tests for the same. The test is also essential for monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions and assessing the body’s response to medications or therapies. Additionally, it can provide critical insights into the immune system’s functioning and detect early signs of health issues before symptoms become apparent. Regular complete hemogram test are often part of routine health check-ups to ensure timely intervention and proper management of any underlying conditions.

Components measured in a Haemogram Test

A complete hemogram blood test measures several key components of the blood, which provide important information about overall health and potential medical conditions. These components include:

1. Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: Measures the number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
2. Hemoglobin (Hb): Determines the amount of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
3. Hematocrit (HCT): Indicates the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.
4. White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: Evaluates the number of white blood cells, which are crucial for immune defense.
5. Differential WBC Count: Provides a breakdown of different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils).
6. Platelet Count: Measures the number of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.
7. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Reflects the average size of red blood cells.
8. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Indicates the average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell.
9. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Shows the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
10. Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): Measures the variation in size of red blood cells.

These components help doctors diagnose and monitor various conditions, including anemia, infections, bleeding disorders, and more.

Procedure of Haemogram Blood Test

The procedure for a complete hemogram blood test is simple, quick, and typically performed in a medical laboratory or clinic. Here are the steps involved:

Preparation:

• No special preparation is usually required for a complete hemogram test unless advised by a doctor.
• In some cases, fasting may be necessary if additional tests are being conducted simultaneously.

Sample Collection:

• A healthcare professional will use a sterile needle to draw a blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm.
• The area is cleaned with an antiseptic to prevent infection, and a tourniquet may be applied to make the vein more prominent.

Blood Draw:

• The needle is inserted into the vein, and a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube or vial.
• After collecting the blood, the needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding.

Labeling and Transport:

• The blood sample is labeled with your details and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Analysis:

• The sample is analyzed using automated machines to measure the various components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and other parameters using a barcoded system to prevent mixing of patient samples.

Results:

• The results are usually available within a few hours to a day, depending on the laboratory.
• Your doctor will interpret the results and discuss any findings with you.

The test is minimally invasive and generally painless, apart from a slight prick (comparable to an ant bite) during the blood draw. It is a safe procedure with no significant risks, though some people may experience minor bruising or discomfort at the puncture site which is generally harmless to the patient.

Why do I need a Haemogram test?

You may need a haemogram test to assess your overall health, detect underlying medical conditions, or monitor ongoing treatments. This test helps identify issues like anemia, infections, inflammation, bleeding disorders, and blood cancers. The hemogram blood test analyzes several key aspects of your blood if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, unexplained bruising, frequent infections, or abnormal bleeding. Additionally, a complete hemogram blood test can be part of routine health check-ups to ensure your blood parameters are within normal ranges and to detect potential health concerns early. Your doctor may also request this test to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments or monitor changes in your condition over time.

Signs of Abnormal Haemogram Level

Signs of abnormal haemogram levels can vary depending on which component of the blood is affected. Some common signs include:

Low Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count or Hemoglobin:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

High RBC Count or Hemoglobin:

• Headaches
• Flushed skin
• Vision problems
• Increased risk of blood clots

Low White Blood Cell (WBC) Count:

• Frequent or severe infections
• Fever or chills
• Delayed wound healing

High WBC Count:

• Signs of infection (e.g., fever, sore throat)
• Inflammation or swelling
• Unexplained weight loss

Low Platelet Count:

• Easy bruising
• Prolonged bleeding from cuts
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Small red spots on the skin (petechiae)

High Platelet Count:

• Blood clotting issues
• Tingling or numbness in extremities
• Redness or warmth in the hands and feet

Abnormal Red Cell Indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW):

• Symptoms of anemia (e.g., fatigue, weakness)
• Indications of specific nutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron, B12, or folate)

If you experience any of these symptoms or your hemogram blood test results show abnormalities, it is important to consult a doctor for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Haemogram : Normal Values

Here are the general normal reference ranges for a haemogram blood test. These values may vary slightly based on age, gender, and laboratory standards:

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count:

• Men: 4.7–6.1 million/µL
• Women: 4.2–5.4 million/µL
• Children: 4.1–5.5 million/µL

Hemoglobin (Hb):

• Men: 13.8–17.2 g/dL
• Women: 12.1–15.1 g/dL
• Children: 11–16 g/dL

Hematocrit (HCT):

• Men: 40.7%–50.3%
• Women: 36.1%–44.3%
• Children: 32%–44%

White Blood Cell (WBC) Count:

• Adults: 4,500–11,000 cells/µL
• Children: 5,000–10,000 cells/µL

Differential WBC Count:

• Neutrophils: 40%–60%
• Lymphocytes: 20%–40%
• Monocytes: 2%–8%
• Eosinophils: 1%–4%
• Basophils: 0.5%–1%

Platelet Count:

• 150,000–450,000 platelets/µL

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV):

• 80–100 fL

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH):

• 27–31 pg/cell

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC BLOOD TEST):

• 32%–36%

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW):

• 11.5%–14.5%

These values provide a baseline for determining whether your blood test results are within a healthy range. Any deviations may require further medical evaluation to identify potential health concerns. Always consult with a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

 Conclusion

The hemogram blood test is a valuable diagnostic process that provides crucial insights into your overall health. By assessing various components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, it helps identify potential health issues early on, monitor the effectiveness of treatments, and contribute to proactive health management. While this blog provides a general overview, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns and to interpret your specific test results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.What does a hemogram test for?

A complete hemogram test, also known as a complete blood count (CBC), tests for various components and parameters of the blood to evaluate overall health and detect medical conditions. It specifically analyzes:

1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Measures the number, size, and health of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to tissues. Abnormalities can indicate anemia, dehydration, or other conditions.
2. Hemoglobin (Hb): Determines the amount of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in RBCs, to assess oxygen delivery to the body.
3. Hematocrit (HCT): Evaluates the proportion of blood volume made up of RBCs, indicating hydration levels and anemia status.
4. White Blood Cells (WBCs): Counts the number of white blood cells, which are crucial for the immune system. Abnormal levels can signal infections, inflammation, or blood disorders.
5. Differential WBC Count: Breaks down the types of WBCs (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) to help identify specific infections, allergies, or immune responses.
6. Platelets: Measures the number of platelets, which help in blood clotting. Abnormal levels may indicate bleeding disorders or clotting issues.
7. Red Blood Cell Indices: Includes parameters like Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), and Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) to evaluate the size, shape, and hemoglobin content of RBCs, aiding in the diagnosis of different types of anemia.

A complete hemogram test is a vital diagnostic test for identifying infections, anemia, clotting disorders, inflammation, and certain blood cancers, as well as monitoring ongoing treatments.

2.What is the cost of Haemogram test?

The cost of a complete haemogram test in Navi Mumbai varies depending on the diagnostic center and services offered. For instance, Simira Healthcare offers the test at ₹340 

Simira Diagnostics Center while other centers may have different pricing. It’s advisable to contact local diagnostic centers directly or visit their websites to confirm the current pricing and any available discount on complete hemogram blood test.

3.Why is a Haemogram important?

A complete hemogram blood test is important because it provides a comprehensive overview of your blood health, helping to detect a wide range of medical conditions. It allows doctors to assess key blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are essential for oxygen transport, immune defense, and blood clotting. 

By measuring levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and other blood indices, a haemogram can reveal issues like anemia, infections, blood clotting disorders, inflammation, and even blood cancers like leukemia. This test is crucial for early detection, monitoring ongoing treatments, and ensuring that health conditions are managed effectively, making it an essential test in preventive healthcare.

4.What is WBC in Haemogram?

WBC in a haemogram refers to White Blood Cells, which are an essential component of the immune system. White blood cells help the body fight infections, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful invaders. The WBC count in a haemogram test measures the total number of white blood cells in the blood, as well as the distribution of different types of WBCs, including:

1. Neutrophils: Help fight bacterial infections.
2. Lymphocytes: Play a role in fighting viral infections and producing antibodies.
3. Monocytes: Aid in breaking down bacteria and clearing dead or damaged cells.
4. Eosinophils: Involved in allergic reactions and fighting parasitic infections.
5. Basophils: Participate in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions.

The normal range for total WBC count in adults is typically 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter (µL) of blood. Abnormal WBC levels can indicate infections, inflammation, immune system disorders, or blood-related diseases, making it an essential parameter in a haemogram test.

5.What is normal haemogram test?

A normal haemogram test refers to blood test results that fall within the standard reference ranges for various blood components, indicating no significant abnormalities in blood health. These components include:

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count:

• Men: 4.7–6.1 million/µL
• Women: 4.2–5.4 million/µL
• Children: 4.1–5.5 million/µL

Hemoglobin (Hb):

• Men: 13.8–17.2 g/dL
• Women: 12.1–15.1 g/dL
• Children: 11–16 g/dL

Hematocrit (HCT):

• Men: 40.7%–50.3%
• Women: 36.1%–44.3%
• Children: 32%–44%

White Blood Cell (WBC) Count:

• Adults: 4,500–11,000 cells/µL
• Children: 5,000–10,000 cells/µL

Differential WBC Count:

• Neutrophils: 40%–60%
• Lymphocytes: 20%–40%
• Monocytes: 2%–8%
• Eosinophils: 1%–4%
• Basophils: 0.5%–1%

Platelet Count:

• 150,000–450,000 platelets/µL

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV):

• 80–100 fL

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH):

• 27–31 pg/cell

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC):

• 32%–36%

Red Cell Distribution Width Blood Test (RDW):

• 11.5%–14.5%

ESR test (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

• Men under 50 years old: Less than 15 mm/hr
• Men over 50 years old: Less than 20 mm/hr
• Women under 50 years old: Less than 20 mm/hr
• Women over 50 years old: Less than 30 mm/hr
• Children: Less than 10 mm/hr

Liver Function Blood Test: Assesses the health and function of the liver

HCG Test: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels indicate the presence of pregnancy and the health of the baby. 

Normal levels 

• Non-pregnant women: Less than 5 mIU/mL
• Healthy men: Less than 2 mIU/mL

Pregnancy levels 

• First trimester: HCG levels rise rapidly, peaking around 10 weeks
• Second trimester: HCG levels decline slightly
• Third trimester: HCG levels continue to decline

A normal haemogram suggests that the blood components are functioning well, and there are no indications of infections, anemia, clotting disorders, or other blood-related conditions. However, any deviations from these ranges may require further medical evaluation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for interpretation of results.