MTP1 Hematology - CBC & Coagulation

Hematology CBC

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Most common test in hematology.

  • Provides valuable diagnostic information.

  • Key Components of CBC

    • Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

    • White Blood Cells (WBCs)

    • Platelets

Hematocrit and Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

  • Protein in RBCs that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

  • Normal values:

    • Men: 14-18 g/dL

    • Women: 12-16 g/dL


Low levels indicate non-specific anemia.

Causes of low Hgb:

  • Bleeding (active/chronic)

  • Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, folate)

  • Hereditary disorders (sickle cell, hemolytic anemia)

  • Chronic diseases (liver, kidney, cancer)

  • Certain medications (chemo drugs, antibiotics)


High levels are less common Polycythemia,

Cause of high Hgb:

  • Lung diseases (COPD)

  • High altitudes

  • Certain medications (ivermectin, hydroxyurea)


Hematocrit (Hct)

  • Measures the percentage of RBCs in total blood volume.

  • Normal values:

    • Men: 40-50%

    • Women: 37-47%

  • Relationship with Hgb: Expected 3:1 ratio.

  • Interpretation of Hgb and Hct Levels

    • Both low: Possible hemorrhage or anemia.

    • Hgb normal, Hct low: Pregnancy or overhydration.

    • Hgb normal, Hct high: Dehydration.

    • Both high: Low oxygen availability states.


Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

  • RBC Count

    • Normal values:

      • Men: 4.5-6 million cells/mm³

      • Women: 4-5.5 million cells/mm³

    • Indices used to diagnose anemia:

      • Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

        • Normal: 80-100 fL

        • Low: Microcytic anemia; High: Macrocytic anemia.

      • Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

        • Normal: 12-16%

        • High RDW indicates nutrient deficiency or acute hemorrhage.


Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

  • Measures average hemoglobin per RBC.

  • Normal: 27-33 picograms/cell.

  • Classifies anemia based on color (hypochromic, normochromic, hyperchromic).


White Blood Cells (WBCs)

  • WBC Count

    • Normal: 4,500-10,500 cells/mm³

    • Increased levels (leukocytosis) indicate infection or malignancy.

    • Decreased levels (leukopenia) indicate immunosuppression.

  • Differential Count of WBCs

    • Neutrophils: 40-75% (acute infections)

    • Basophils: 0-2% (leukemia, hyperthyroid)

    • Eosinophils: 1-6% (allergies, parasitic infections)

    • Lymphocytes: 20-25% (infections, autoimmune diseases)

    • Monocytes: 2-10% (bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases)


Platelets

  • Platelet Count

    • Normal: 150,000-300,000 cells/mm³

    • Low levels (thrombocytopenia) indicate risk of bleeding if <50,000.

    • Causes of low platelets:

      • Idiopathic thrombocytopenia, nutrient deficiencies, bone marrow disorders.

    • High levels (thrombocytosis) can result from anemia, cancers, infections.