SHN2004 – Interpreting results
Interpreting Results – Blood & Urine
What is blood?
A form of connective tissue.
Responsible for transport of nutrients, gases, chemical messengers, waste products,
maintenance of body temperature, clot formation.
The various cell types typically found in blood are known collectively as the formed
elements
- Erythrocytes (red blood cells)
- Leucocytes (white blood cells)
- Platelets (thrombocytes)
Blood Analysis
Physical and chemical analysis of blood provides a valuable insight into the functioning
of the human body.
Blood samples taken by nurse, phlebotomist, or doctor.
Through physical and chemical analysis, we can measure absence, presence, and
concentration of a range of factors.
- General health
- Health of specific organs such as the liver and kidneys
- Indicate the presence of an infection and its likely target
- Monitor the progression of an existing condition
- Screen for certain genetic abnormalities
The following aspects of blood biochemistry are typically measured:
RBC measurements–RBC count, haemoglobin (Hb), sedimentation rates, haematocrit
(Hct), mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin.
WBC measurements–WBC count, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils,
basophils, blasts.
Clotting measurements–Platelets, fibrinogen, international normalised ratio, partial
thromboplastin time, prothrombin time.
RBC measurements and normal adult ranges WBC measurements and normal adult ranges
Clotting measurements and normal adult ranges
, SHN2004 – Interpreting results
Interpretation of RBC measurement >/< normal range
RBC count
- High values can be caused by kidney problems, dehydration, or certain heart
conditions. Also, indicator of fatty liver disease.
- Low values can also indicate kidney impairment but also anaemia and nutritional
deficiencies.
Haemoglobin (Hb)
- High values linked with smoking, dehydration, hypoxia, carbon monoxide poisoning.
Also, diseases of the lungs.
- Low values can indicate anaemia and seen during pregnancy.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- High levels can indicate widespread inflammatory disorders as a result of a current
infection. High levels can also indicate pregnancy.
- Low levels are often seen alongside low plasma protein concentrations. Low levels
are also seen with sickle cell anaemia.
Haematocrit (Hct)
- High values can indicate dehydration, also liver or heart disease.
- Low values are indicative of anaemia, a nutritional deficiency or recent blood loss.
Mean cell volume (MCV)
- High values have been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Low values can be an indicator of anaemia.
Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH)
- High values are often associated with anaemia.
- Low values are typically associated with a nutritional deficiency.
Interpretation of WBC measurement >/< normal range
Monocytes
- High values often seen with malaria and tuberculosis. Also, leukaemia.
- Low values typically associated with immune suppressants. Also chemotherapy and
radiotherapy.
Neutrophils
- High values can signify a current or recent bacterial infection. Also elevated with
many STIs or osteomyelitis.
Interpreting Results – Blood & Urine
What is blood?
A form of connective tissue.
Responsible for transport of nutrients, gases, chemical messengers, waste products,
maintenance of body temperature, clot formation.
The various cell types typically found in blood are known collectively as the formed
elements
- Erythrocytes (red blood cells)
- Leucocytes (white blood cells)
- Platelets (thrombocytes)
Blood Analysis
Physical and chemical analysis of blood provides a valuable insight into the functioning
of the human body.
Blood samples taken by nurse, phlebotomist, or doctor.
Through physical and chemical analysis, we can measure absence, presence, and
concentration of a range of factors.
- General health
- Health of specific organs such as the liver and kidneys
- Indicate the presence of an infection and its likely target
- Monitor the progression of an existing condition
- Screen for certain genetic abnormalities
The following aspects of blood biochemistry are typically measured:
RBC measurements–RBC count, haemoglobin (Hb), sedimentation rates, haematocrit
(Hct), mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin.
WBC measurements–WBC count, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils,
basophils, blasts.
Clotting measurements–Platelets, fibrinogen, international normalised ratio, partial
thromboplastin time, prothrombin time.
RBC measurements and normal adult ranges WBC measurements and normal adult ranges
Clotting measurements and normal adult ranges
, SHN2004 – Interpreting results
Interpretation of RBC measurement >/< normal range
RBC count
- High values can be caused by kidney problems, dehydration, or certain heart
conditions. Also, indicator of fatty liver disease.
- Low values can also indicate kidney impairment but also anaemia and nutritional
deficiencies.
Haemoglobin (Hb)
- High values linked with smoking, dehydration, hypoxia, carbon monoxide poisoning.
Also, diseases of the lungs.
- Low values can indicate anaemia and seen during pregnancy.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- High levels can indicate widespread inflammatory disorders as a result of a current
infection. High levels can also indicate pregnancy.
- Low levels are often seen alongside low plasma protein concentrations. Low levels
are also seen with sickle cell anaemia.
Haematocrit (Hct)
- High values can indicate dehydration, also liver or heart disease.
- Low values are indicative of anaemia, a nutritional deficiency or recent blood loss.
Mean cell volume (MCV)
- High values have been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Low values can be an indicator of anaemia.
Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH)
- High values are often associated with anaemia.
- Low values are typically associated with a nutritional deficiency.
Interpretation of WBC measurement >/< normal range
Monocytes
- High values often seen with malaria and tuberculosis. Also, leukaemia.
- Low values typically associated with immune suppressants. Also chemotherapy and
radiotherapy.
Neutrophils
- High values can signify a current or recent bacterial infection. Also elevated with
many STIs or osteomyelitis.
