Large blood count | Laboratory values

Large blood count

The large blood count (differential blood count) differs from the small blood count only in that the white blood cells are also differentiated. Changes in the number and composition of granulocytes and lymphocytes can be detected, which allows a more accurate diagnosis. An example would be rheumatic diseases, as eosinophilic granulocytes are more common.

Inflammation factors

One of the most important inflammatory factors besides the already mentioned leukocytes is the CRP (C-reactive protein). It is produced in the liver and is released in increased quantities in the event of inflammation or injury. Normally, it should be below 0.5 mg/dl. For smaller injuries it can also be around 40 mg/dl. More relevant are greatly increased concentrations that indicate an inflammation or infection.

Blood gas analysis

Thyroid hormones are divided into the actual hormones produced by the thyroid gland, such as thyroxine (T4) and T3, and the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland to release thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are very common and are mainly diagnosed by blood tests. A distinction can also be made between primary and secondary disorders, depending on whether the hormone production in the pituitary gland or the thyroid is disturbed.

Standard values for T4 are 2.2-5.5 pg/ml, for T3 0.6-1.8 ng/dl and 0.4-2.5 mU/l for TSH. and hypothyroidismIn addition to the thyroid hormones, the hormones of the adrenal cortex such as cortisol, metabolic hormones such as insulin and also the sex hormones can be determined if diseases are suspected. The diagnosis is relevant in the case of Cushing’s disease, diabetes or if the patient wishes to have children.

Indication

Besides the control of laboratory values, the effectiveness of a therapy can be checked. A blood sample can also be taken for cancer prevention/early detection. Many forms of prostate cancer (carcinoma of the prostate) can be detected in the blood for the first time by increasing a so-called tumor marker (PSA = prostate specific antigen).

Especially when a therapy with a drug is started, the laboratory values can change. Some forms of therapy require regular blood count monitoring. One example is the therapy with Marcumar. Here, the coagulation system is inhibited so that the blood becomes “more fluid”. In order to check the effectiveness of the therapy, blood samples must be taken in a tightly meshed manner.