Friday

Beginning Blood 101

Occasionally we might visit a doctor who will order a Complete Blood Count (CBC). This is done because the blood can reveal a lot regarding one's health.

Healthy blood cells have a certain appearance and a certain percentage of them are in the bloodstream.

There are three general types:

Red blood cells, known as Erythrocytes

White blood cells known as  Leukocytes

Platelets are known as Thrombocytes

There are also subcategories which I will discuss later.

When a tube of blood is drawn for a CBC, the blood is then tested and looked at with a microscope.

The cells should have a normal, healthy appearance. When they don't, there is a problem. One can often tell what the problem might be because of the shape or size of the blood cells. Sometimes there are too many blood cells or too few.

There are many medical health conditions that affect the blood, and a diagnosis can be determined based on what the blood test reveals. Sometimes other tests need to be done to clarify the diagnosis, as well.

One of the problems that most people are aware of regarding a disorder of the red blood cells, is anemia.

It is commonly understood that disorders of the white blood cells can be attributed to infections or immunity issues.

A disorder of the platelets can lead to blood clots.

These are simple explanations and certainly not all that a Complete Blood Count can reveal.

Note:
This is my own interpretation and understanding of the subject at this date. For accurate information please consult a scientific professional source.

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Photo art by myself, Elizabeth Munroz

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