• About Us
  • International Patients
  • Pay Online
  • Careers
  • Enquire Now
  • Feedback
  • phone icon +91-40 6165 6565
  • Location Image
  • phone icon 040 6810 6589
icon
×
Enquire Now

Hemogram Blood Test

A complete hemogram blood test serves as a fundamental diagnostic tool doctors use to evaluate overall health. The test provides detailed information about blood cell counts and their characteristics. Doctors recommend this test during routine check-ups when monitoring specific health conditions or investigating unusual symptoms. This article explains the complete hemogram test procedure, necessary preparation steps, normal ranges for test results, and what abnormal results might indicate for your health.

What is a Hemogram Test?

A hemogram test, also known as a complete blood count (CBC), is a comprehensive blood examination that analyses various blood components through automated testing. This diagnostic tool comprises two main components: the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR).

The test provides a detailed analysis of three primary blood components:

  • Red Blood Cells (RBC): Measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, and cell indices
  • White Blood Cells (WBC): Evaluates different types, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes
  • Platelets: Assesses count and size distribution

Modern automated testing systems can process a small blood sample (100 μL) within one minute, delivering hemogram blood test results with less than 1% error probability. The system measures multiple parameters, including Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH), and Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW).

The primary advantage of a hemogram test lies in its ability to detect even slight abnormalities in the bloodstream, making it an essential tool for diagnosing various health conditions, including anaemia, infections, inflammation, and blood disorders.

When Should You Get the Hemogram Test Done?

Doctors typically recommend hemogram tests in the following situations:

  • Routine Health Screening: The test forms part of regular health check-ups to evaluate overall well-being and detect potential blood abnormalities early. The test:
    • Detect anaemia and related blood disorders
    • Identify potential blood cancers like leukaemia
    • Diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory conditions
  • Pre-surgical assessment: Doctors require hemogram test results before surgical procedures to assess blood cell counts and clotting capacity.
  • Chronic Disease Monitoring: Patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease need regular hemogram tests to track their health status and treatment effectiveness.
  • Infection Detection: An increase in white blood cell count may indicate the presence of infections or inflammatory conditions.
  • Blood Disorder Screening: The test helps identify various blood disorders, including thalassaemia, sickle cell disease, or leukaemia.
  • Pregnancy Monitoring: Expecting mothers undergo regular hemogram tests to ensure maternal and foetal health.
  • Investigate Unexplained Symptoms:

Procedure for Hemogram Test

The blood collection process follows these essential steps:

  • The doctor applies an elastic band (tourniquet) around the upper arm
  • The individual is asked to make a fist to make veins more visible
  • The skin is cleaned thoroughly with an alcohol swab
  • A small needle is inserted into a visible vein
  • Blood flows through the needle into collection vials
  • The tourniquet is removed, and the needle is withdrawn
  • A small bandage is applied to the collection site

Patients might experience a slight pinching sensation during the procedure when the needle enters the skin. While the process is generally painless, some individuals may feel mild discomfort. The doctor sends this collected blood sample to a laboratory for analysis using sophisticated automated testing machines. The laboratory typically processes hemogram test results within a few hours to one day. 

How to Prepare for the Hemogram Test?

For a standard hemogram test, patients do not need any special preparation. However, specific guidelines should be followed:

  • Regular Medication Schedule: Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by the doctor
  • Food and Drink: No fasting is required for a basic hemogram test
  • Hydration: Drinking water is permitted and encouraged before the test
  • Medical Information: Inform the doctor about current medications and supplements
  • Additional Tests: If the hemogram is combined with other blood tests, fasting might be necessary

Values of Hemogram Test Results

The standard reference ranges for key blood components are:

Blood Component Female Range     Male Range  Unit
Hemoglobin 12.0-16.0  13.5-17.5  g/dL
Red Blood Cells 3.5-5.5  4.3-5.9  million/mm³
White Blood Cells 4,500-11,000  4,500-11,000  cells/mm³
Platelets  150,000-400,000 150,000-400,000  /mm³
Hematocrit 36-46 41-53 %

Doctors consider several key factors when interpreting these values:

  • Testing Timeframe: Blood samples mixed with EDTA remain reliable for 24 hours for most components
  • Measurement Accuracy: Modern automated systems provide results with less than 1% error probability
  • Geographic Factors: Reference ranges may vary based on altitude and laboratory standards
  • Age and Gender: Normal ranges differ between males and females and across age groups

What Abnormal Hemogram Results Mean

Common abnormalities in blood components can indicate specific conditions:

  • Red Blood Cell Abnormalities:
    • High counts may indicate heart conditions, lung diseases, or bone marrow diseases
    • Low counts often suggest anaemia, blood loss, or iron deficiency
  • White Blood Cell Changes:
    • Elevated levels typically signal infections or inflammatory responses
    • Decreased counts might indicate autoimmune disorders or bone marrow issues
  • Platelet Variations:
    • High counts can result from infections or immune system disorders
    • Low counts may suggest immune thrombocytopenia or certain cancers

Several factors can influence test results without indicating illness. These include diet, physical activity levels, medications, menstruation, and hydration status. Doctors consider these factors when interpreting results that fall outside the normal range.

Conclusion

Doctors rely on hemogram test results as part of a broader medical assessment process. Results that fall outside normal ranges might signal various health conditions, though they must be interpreted alongside other clinical findings. Patients should remember that regular hemogram testing plays a key role in preventive healthcare and early detection of potential health issues. Doctors can use these results to create targeted treatment plans and monitor patient progress effectively.

FAQs

1. What happens if the hemogram test is high?

Elevated hemogram results typically indicate increased blood cell production or concentration. High values may suggest:

  • Dehydration causes concentrated blood components
  • Heart or lung conditions affecting oxygen levels
  • Bone marrow disorders like polycythemia vera
  • Sleep apnea or other respiratory conditions

2. What happens if the hemogram test is low?

Low hemogram values often indicate decreased blood cell production or loss. Common causes include:

  • Iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Chronic blood loss or heavy menstruation
  • Bone marrow disorders
  • Kidney disease or liver conditions

3. What is a normal hemogram test level?

Normal hemogram levels vary by gender and age. Here are the standard ranges:

Component Male Range  Female Range
Haemoglobin 14.0-17.5 g/dL  12.3-15.3 g/dL
WBC 4,500-11,000/μL  4,500-11,000/μL
Platelets 150,000-450,000/μL 150,000-450,000/μL

4. What is the indication for a hemogram test?

Doctors recommend hemogram tests to:

  • Screen for blood disorders and infections
  • Monitor chronic conditions
  • Evaluate overall health status
  • Assess treatment effectiveness
  • Investigate unexplained symptoms

5. Is fasting required for a hemogram?

A standard hemogram test does not require fasting. However, if combined with other blood tests, doctors might request 8-12 hours of fasting. Patients should:

  • Continue drinking water as normal
  • Take prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise
  • Inform the doctor about current medications

6. How long does a hemogram test take?

The actual blood collection procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes. Laboratory analysis usually provides results within 24 hours, though the timing may vary and depends on the facility and specific tests ordered.

Enquire Now

Captcha *

Mathematical Captcha