OVERVIEW
WHAT IS ABSOLUTE VALUES/ CELLS COUNT LAB TEST?
The absolute values/ cells count lab test is a blood test that evaluates the cells that circulate in the
blood. There are three types of cells present in the blood.
- Red Blood Cells
- White Blood Cells
- Platelets
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
Blood is classified as connective tissue with a liquid intercellular substance, plasma, in which blood cells are suspended. Absolute values lab test measures the following present cells in the blood.
RED BLOOD CELLS:
Red blood cells are also known as erythrocytes. They are biconcave in shape and are the most abundant cells in the body. RBCs carry Hemoglobin and transport oxygen to the tissues.
HEMOGLOBIN:
Hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying metalloprotein.
HEMATOCRIT (HCT):
Hematocrit is the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total volume of blood. Measure in percentage
WHITE BLOOD CELLS:
Also known as leukocytes. They make up the special system for combating the different infections and toxic agents.
Total Leucocyte count (TLC) is the measurement of the total number of leukocytes (WBCs) in a given volume of blood.
There are five types of WBCs
- Neutrophils
- Basophils
- Eosinophils
- Lymphocyte
- Monocytes
DIFFERENTIAL LEUKOCYTE COUNT:
Determines the percentage of different types of white blood cells.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV):
Is the average volume of a red blood cell.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH):
Is the average amount of hemoglobin in the average red blood cell.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC):
Is the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red cells.
How is this test performed?
This test is performed on a blood sample. The blood is obtained from the vein and this is performed by a healthcare provider in the following way.
- clean the skin
- put an elastic band above the area
- insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand)
- pull the blood sample into a vial or syringe
- take off the elastic band and remove the needle from the vein
What are the risks associated with this test?
There is no significant risk associated with this test. A small bruise or mild soreness around the blood test site is common and can last for a few days. Get medical care if the discomfort gets worse or lasts longer.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
Males: 4.3 - 6.2 x million/μL
Females: 3.8 - 5.5 million/μL
Infant/Child:3.8 - 5.5 million/μL
Hemoglobin
Males: 13.2 - 16.2 gm/dL
Females: 12.0 - 15.2 gm/dL
White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
Differential Leucocyte Count
Neutrophils - 35-80%
Lymphocytes - 20-50%
Monocytes - 2-12%
Eosinophils - 0-7%
Basophils - 0-2%
Platelet Count
1.5 - 4.5 lacs/μL
Hematocrit (Hct)
Males: 40-52%
Females: 37-46%
Child: 31-43%
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)
27-34 pg
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
31-35 gm/dL
