The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
The Hemogram and Differential test contains 1 test with 30 biomarkers.
Brief Description: The Hemogram and Differential test, more commonly known as the Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential, is a comprehensive blood test that provides information about various cells present in the blood. It measures the count, size, hemoglobin content, and other characteristics of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Whole Blood
Test Preparation: No preparation required
The Hemogram and Differential test is one of the most frequently ordered blood tests because of its utility in diagnosing and monitoring a wide variety of conditions. Reasons for ordering include:
The Hemogram and Differential test measures several components:
Red Blood Cells (RBC) Count: Determines the number of RBCs in the blood, helping identify conditions like anemia or polycythemia.
Hemoglobin: The oxygen-carrying protein in RBCs. Low levels can indicate anemia.
Hematocrit: Percentage of total blood volume occupied by RBCs. Changes can indicate anemia or dehydration, among other conditions.
White Blood Cells (WBC) Count: Measures the total number of WBCs in the blood. Elevated or reduced numbers can indicate infections, blood disorders, or other diseases.
Differential WBC Count: Breaks down the WBCs into five main types – neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils – providing insight into possible reasons for illnesses.
Platelet Count: Determines the number of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.
When a Hemogram and Differential test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of a patient's general health or to investigate specific symptoms like anemia, infection, inflammation, and bleeding disorders. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel:
Prothrombin Time - PT, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time - aPTT:
These tests, when ordered alongside a Hemogram and Differential, provide a comprehensive overview of a patient’s health, offering valuable insights into various physiological processes and potential pathologies. They can help diagnose a wide range of conditions, from infections and inflammatory diseases to anemias and clotting disorders. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and the reason for the blood work.
The Hemogram and Differential test can help diagnose or monitor:
Anemia: Reduced number of red blood cells or low hemoglobin levels.
Leukemia: A type of blood cancer affecting white blood cells.
Infection: Elevated white blood cell count often signals an ongoing infection.
Inflammatory Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause changes in WBC counts.
Bleeding Disorders: Low platelet counts can be a sign of disorders affecting blood clotting.
Healthcare providers use the results to:
Diagnosis: As mentioned, a CBC with Differential can diagnose conditions like anemia, infections, and certain types of leukemia.
Determine Severity: In conditions like anemia, the severity (mild, moderate, severe) can be gauged based on the results.
Guide Treatment: Information on the type and cause of anemia or the nature of an infection can guide treatment strategies.
Monitoring: Ongoing conditions or the effects of treatments (like chemotherapy) can be monitored using repeated CBCs with Differential.
In sum, the Hemogram and Differential test is a fundamental diagnostic tool in medicine, providing vital insights into a patient's health and guiding both diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Why is the Hemogram and Differential test ordered?
The Hemogram and Differential test is typically ordered to provide a broad overview of a patient's overall health, especially when checking for conditions like anemia, infection, inflammation, and several other disorders. It measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
How does the Hemogram and Differential test differ from a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
While the Hemogram and Differential test is often used interchangeably with the term CBC, they are essentially the same. Both tests evaluate the three major types of cells in the blood. The "differential" part specifically refers to a detailed count of the different types of white blood cells.
What do abnormal results in the Hemogram and Differential test indicate?
Abnormal results can mean a variety of conditions, depending on which component of the blood is abnormal:
In the Hemogram and Differential test, what is meant by the term "differential"?
In the context of the Hemogram and Differential test, the "differential" refers to a detailed breakdown of the different types of white blood cells. It can help identify infections, inflammation, allergies, or potential diseases of the bone marrow or immune system.
If I have abnormal results from the Hemogram and Differential test, what's the next step?
If your Hemogram and Differential test results are abnormal, your healthcare provider will likely recommend further tests to determine the cause of the abnormalities. The specific follow-up will depend on which values are out of the normal range and your clinical symptoms.
Is the Hemogram and Differential test used to monitor certain treatments or medications?
Yes, the Hemogram and Differential test is often used to monitor treatments or medications that might impact blood cells. For example, it's frequently ordered during chemotherapy, which can affect bone marrow and lead to changes in blood cell counts.
Why is the Hemogram and Differential test frequently ordered during routine medical exams?
The Hemogram and Differential test provides a comprehensive overview of one's health, making it a valuable tool during routine medical exams. Abnormalities can act as early indicators for various medical conditions, even before symptoms are apparent, allowing for early intervention and management.
Can the Hemogram and Differential test differentiate between bacterial and viral infections?
While the test doesn't directly detect bacteria or viruses, the pattern of white blood cell changes can give clues. For instance, a high neutrophil count often indicates a bacterial infection, while an elevated lymphocyte count can suggest a viral infection. However, further tests are usually necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
If the Hemogram and Differential test indicates anemia, how is the type of anemia determined?
If the Hemogram and Differential test suggests anemia (a low red blood cell count), additional tests will be necessary to determine its type and cause. These might include tests for vitamin deficiencies, iron studies, reticulocyte count, and other specific tests depending on the suspected cause.
Are there conditions or situations where the Hemogram and Differential test might not be useful or informative?
While the Hemogram and Differential test is broadly informative, it's a screening tool and not definitive. There are cases, especially in early stages of diseases or in mild conditions, where the test results may be within normal ranges. It's crucial to consider clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tools when evaluating a patient's health.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.