Complete Haemogram

Complete hemogram includes a series of test which includes complete blood count (CBC, also known as a complete blood cell count) along with Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). CBC is a test that provides information about blood cells like Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC) and platelets. It is routinely performed to provide an overview of a patient's general health status. ESR is done to find out if any condition is causing inflammation in the body.

The complete haemogram includes two main components: Complete Blood Count and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. 

Blood is composed of blood cells suspended in blood plasma (yellowish colored liquid). These blood cells include red blood cells (also called RBCs or erythrocytes), white blood cells (also called WBCs or leukocytes), and platelets (also called thrombocytes).

Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most abundant blood cells. RBCs contain hemoglobin which helps in the transport of oxygen to the tissues. RBC count is a measurement of the number of RBCs in a given volume of blood. 

Packed Cell Volume (PCV) or Hematocrit (Hct) is a measurement of the blood volume occupied by RBCs. It is expressed in percentage.

White blood cells (WBCs) are the main components of the immune system. They protect the body from various infections and cancers. Total Leucocyte count (TLC) is a measurement of the total number of leucocytes (WBCs) in a given volume of blood. 

There are five types of WBCs:

1. Neutrophils

2. Basophils

3. Eosinophils

4. Lymphocytes

5. Monocytes

Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC) determines the percentage of different types of WBCs.

Neutrophils, Basophils, and Eosinophils are called Granulocytes because of the presence of granules inside these cells.

Absolute count of different types of WBCs is the measurement of their absolute numbers in the given volume of blood.

In addition to counting, measuring, and analyzing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, this test also measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and within each red blood cell.

Platelet count - Platelets (also called thrombocytes) are disc-shaped cell fragments without a nucleus that help in blood clotting. Platelet count is a measurement of the number of platelets in a given volume of blood. 

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is a measurement of the average size of platelets.

Hemoglobin (Hb) -  Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein found in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues. It transports oxygen in exchange for carbon dioxide, and then carry the carbon dioxide back to the lungs and where it is again exchanged for oxygen. 

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is the average volume of a red blood cell.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of hemoglobin present in the average red cell.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red cells.

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is a measurement of the variability of red blood cell size and shape. 

Complete blood count (CBC) includes the following tests:

• Packed Cell Volume

• Hemoglobin

• Platelet Count

• Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC)

• Differential Eosinophil Count

• Differential Neutrophil Count

    -    Differential Monocyte Count

      -    Differential Granulocyte Count

                             -     Differential Lymphocyte Count

                             -     Differential Basophil Count

• Absolute Monocyte Counts

• Red Blood Cell Count

• RDW SD (Red blood cell distribution width)

• Total Leucocyte Count

• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

• Mean Platelet Volume

• Absolute Leucocyte Count

•  Absolute Eosinophil Count

•  Absolute Lymphocyte Count

•  Absolute Basophil Count

•  Absolute Granulocyte Count

•  Absolute Monocyte Count

•  Absolute Neutrophil Count

The ESR depicts the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle (sediment), in one hour, at the bottom of a tube that contains a blood sample. The test result is expressed in millimeters per hour (mm/hr).

In the presence of inflammation, the production of certain proteins mainly fibrinogen increases in blood. This high proportion of fibrinogen leads the red blood cells to form a stack (rouleaux formation) which settle quickly due to their high density.