What is a small blood count?
A small blood count gives the doctor an overview of the number of individual blood cells. The red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes) are measured. In addition, the amount of red blood pigment (hemoglobin) and the volume fraction of red blood cells (hematocrit) are used to determine other laboratory values such as MCV, MCHC and MCH.
Thanks to modern laboratory equipment, a small blood count can be determined fully automatically, quickly and easily. Other examination methods complement the small blood count. Liver values, kidney values or a precise breakdown of the leukocytes (differential blood count) are also ordered by the doctor if necessary.
When do you determine a small blood count?
The doctor also orders a small blood count before operations so that possible complications can be averted prematurely or remedied quickly. These include, for example, an increased risk of bleeding due to a low platelet count.
Small blood count: values
|
Men |
Women |
|
|
Erythrocytes |
4.8 – 5.9 million/µl |
4.3 – 5.2 mio./µl |
|
Leukocytes |
4000 – 10.000/µl |
4000 – 10.000/µl |
|
Platelets |
150.000 – 400.000/µl |
150.000 – 400.000/µl |
|
Hemoglobin |
14 – 18 g/dl |
12 – 16 g/dl |
|
Hematocrit |
40 – 54 % |
37 – 47 % |
|
MCH |
28 – 34 pg |
28 – 34 pg |
|
MCV |
78 – 94 fl |
78 – 94 fl |
|
MCHC |
30 – 36 g/dL |
30 – 36 g/dl |
In children, the normal values of the various parameters depend on age.
Small blood count: When are the values too low?
Low leukocyte levels (leukopenia, leukocytopenia) occur, for example, in a number of infections, during chemotherapy, and in certain forms of leukemia.
A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenia) may also be indicative of leukemia. Other possible causes include bleeding, certain medications, iron or vitamin deficiencies, and infections.
Small blood count: When are the values too high?
An increase in leukocytes (leukocytosis) usually occurs in the context of infections and acute inflammations.
If the blood contains too many platelets (thrombocytosis), the risk of blood clots increases. Bone marrow diseases and malignant tumors should be excluded as causes.
What to do if the values in the small blood count change?
If a small blood count shows minor abnormalities, there is usually no cause for concern.
