A complete hematology test is a complete blood count that includes a count of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Complete hematology test is one of the supporting examinations to diagnose disease or monitor treatment results.
A complete hematology examination is carried out to detect certain health disorders that can affect the condition of blood cells, such as infection, anemia, and leukemia. In addition, this examination can also be used to monitor disease progression and treatment outcomes.
Part of Blood Examined in Complete Hematology Test
The following are some of the parts of blood that are examined in a complete hematology test:
1. White blood cells
White blood cells play a role in fighting infection as well as in allergic and inflammatory processes. White blood cells can be counted directly as a whole, but can also be counted by type. Types of white blood cells include:
- Neutrophils, which play a role in fighting viruses or bacteria
- Lymphocytes, which play a role in creating antibodies to fight viruses and bacteria
- Monocytes, which remove damaged cells and tissues and increase the body's response to disease
- Eisonophils, which fight infection and trigger inflammation and allergic reactions
- Basophils, which release enzymes to control allergies
2. Red blood cells
Red blood cells function to carry oxygen throughout the body. The components of red blood cells that are examined in a complete hematology test are:
- Hemoglobin, which is the total amount of hemoglobin in the blood
- Hematocrit, which is the percentage of the number of red blood cells in the blood
- MCV (mean corpuscular volume), which is the average size of red blood cells
- MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin), which is the average amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells
- MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), i.e. how dense the hemoglobin molecule is in red blood cells
- RDW (red cell distribution width), i.e. variations in the size of red blood cells
Anemia is usually determined by the amount of hemoglobin. However, other data can determine the type of anemia that occurs. For example, low hematocrit and MCV values mean that the red blood cells are small and small. This can indicate the presence of iron deficiency anemia.
Meanwhile, a high MCV value means the size of the red blood cells is larger than it should be. This is usually a sign of anemia due to a lack of vitamin B12 or folate in the blood.
Not only anemia, other conditions can also be detected through the calculation of red blood cells. For example, a high hematocrit level can indicate that you are dehydrated.
3. Platelets
Platelets or also called platelets are blood cells that play a role in the blood clotting process. In a complete hematology test, the doctor will assess the number, average size, and uniformity of the size of the platelets in the blood.
Purpose of Complete Hematology Examination
In general, below are some of the important roles of a complete hematology test:
- Complete health evaluation.
- Seeing the possibility of a disease that can be detected from an increase or decrease in blood cell levels.
- Diagnosing the cause of health problems, especially if the patient experiences certain symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, weakness, swelling, and bleeding.
- Monitoring the health progress of patients with diseases that affect blood cell levels.
- Monitor the management of diseases, especially those that affect blood cell levels and require regular complete haematological tests.
A complete hematology test is carried out by a clinical pathologist by taking blood using a needle from a vein in the arm. This blood sample will be examined and then reported as a test result
The results of a complete hematology test are generally presented in 2 columns. One column is the reference value, i.e. the range of normal examination values, while the other column is the result of your complete hematology examination. If your result is lower or higher than the reference value, the result is said to be abnormal.
A complete hematological test is not an absolute test in establishing the diagnosis. The examination should include a review of complaints and previous medical history, as well as a physical examination. After that, there are still other supporting tests that can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
So even though you can do a hematology test independently, you shouldn't do self diagnosis based on test results only. Consult a doctor even if your test results are normal, especially if you have health complaints. The doctor will find out the cause of the complaint with a physical examination and if necessary, other investigations.