Quick version
Blood status is a basic but very important analysis that provides insight into the body's oxygen transport, immune defense and coagulation ability. It is used for everything from routine checks to emergency investigations. Abnormalities always need to be assessed based on symptoms, other test results and medical background.
What is a blood count?
A blood count is a collection of blood tests that measure the different cell types in the blood. The analysis usually includes:
- Hemoglobin (Hb): The amount of oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
- Erythrocytes (EPK): The number of red blood cells that carry oxygen.
- Hematocrit (EVF): The percentage of blood that is made up of red blood cells.
- MCV: The average volume of red blood cells (provides information about the size of the cells).
- MCH / MCHC: The average amount of hemoglobin per cell or per unit volume of blood.
- Leukocytes (LPK): The number of white blood cells that fight infections.
- Platelets (TPK): The number of platelets that participate in blood coagulation.
These values are analyzed together to provide a comprehensive picture of blood function and production in the bone marrow.
When is a blood count used in healthcare?
A blood count is used very widely and is often the first test when a disease is suspected or as part of a health check. It can be used to:
- Detect anemia: Low hemoglobin, low EPK or low EVF indicate reduced oxygen transport.
- Investigate infections and inflammation: High white blood cell (WBC) counts may indicate bacterial infection, while low values may be seen in certain viral infections or bone marrow diseases.
- Assess bleeding risk: Low platelet count (TPK) may increase the risk of bleeding, while high values may occur in inflammation or blood diseases.
- Monitor treatments: For example, in cancer therapy, hormone therapy or drugs that affect the bone marrow.
- Check general health: In connection with health checks or before surgery.
What conclusions can be drawn from the results?
The interpretation of blood status requires that you see all values in context. Individual abnormalities do not always indicate disease, but combinations of patterns can provide important clues.
Example of interpretation
- Low Hb + low MCV: Often indicates iron deficiency or chronic blood loss.
- Low Hb + high MCV: May indicate B12 or folate deficiency.
- High LPK: May indicate infection, stress or inflammation.
- Low LPK: May occur with viral infections or bone marrow involvement.
- High TPK: Sometimes seen with inflammation or after surgery.
- Low TPK: May occur with viral infection, drug exposure or autoimmune conditions.
To understand the cause For abnormal blood status, the analysis is often supplemented with other tests, such as iron status, vitamin tests, CRP (inflammation) or differential count (distribution between different types of white blood cells).
Find out what your blood values look like
Do you feel tired, pale, lack energy - or do you just want to make sure that everything is in order? A simple blood status can provide invaluable information about your health - and many people discover imbalances long before symptoms become apparent.
At Testmottagningen.se you can order Blood status with B-diff with a referral directly. You will receive a quick response from a Swedish laboratory and a doctor who will interpret the results based on your values.
