A hemogram – an automatic analysis of blood cells – with a leukogram (white blood cell count) is a complex analysis that measures haemoglobin concentration in the blood, and counts and describes the blood cells: erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes.

A hemogram contains the following parameters:

Erythrocytes and haemoglobin

Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, contain haemoglobin and provide the body with oxygen. Haemoglobin is an iron-containing protein compound that gives the blood its red colour. Its task is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues.

High levels of erythrocytes and/or haemoglobin are found in the blood of smokers, those who have been in low oxygen conditions for long periods of time (e.g., in high altitudes), and where one has lung, heart and certain blood disorders.

Low levels erythrocytes and/or haemoglobin occur in anaemias of various causes and require further assessment (possible causes include iron deficiency, blood loss, chronic diseases, poor diet, etc.). Excessive liquid consumption can also cause low haemoglobin levels.

Haematocrit

Haematocrit expresses the ratio of the volume of blood cells to the total volume of blood plasma and characterises the viscosity of the blood. It allows for an indirect assessment of fluid balance in the body. In terms of cells, the haematocrit values are primarily influenced by the number of erythrocytes and haemoglobin levels. However, the haematocrit values also depend on the volume of blood plasma, which in turn is affected by the body’s fluid balance.

High haematocrit levels occur in conditions that cause an increase in erythrocytes and haemoglobin levels, and in case of severe dehydration.

Low haematocrit values occur in the case of anaemias.

Leukocytes

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are the body’s defence cells. They can be divided into the following subsets: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. The leukogram shows how many different leukocytes circulate in the blood, based on these subsets. Each subset has a specific role to play in the body’s defence mechanism.

The number of leukocytes and the leukogram result make it possible to assess whether the body has any ongoing allergies, inflammations or infections (viral, bacterial), and whether it is an acute process or is already in the healing phase. A disruption in the number and relationship of leukocytes and their subsets indicates a possible blood disorder.

Higher leukocyte counts are more common after bacterial inflammations and infectious diseases, as well as after eating, physical exercise and severe stress.

Lower leukocyte counts often occur in the case of viral infections as well as due to some medications and alcohol consumption. Low leukocyte counts can also be caused by Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, among other factors.

Thrombocytes

Thrombocytes (platelets) are involved in blood clotting.

Elevated platelet (thrombocyte) counts are associated with leukocyte changes in bacterial infections, iron deficiency or posthaemorrhagic anaemia.

Low platelet (thrombocyte) counts can be caused by viral infections, the use of certain medications, alcoholism, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, and liver and autoimmune diseases.

Face Scan

Body Scan

Blood test

Join Activate

Don't miss out