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ADDRESS
Sanford Laboratories
PO Box 5056
Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5056
PHONE
605-328-5464
800-522-2561
FAX
605-328-5434
E-MAIL
E-mail Sanford Laboratories
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| Blood Hematology Tests |
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Hematocrit (HCT)
The HCT is the comparison of the cellular portion of the blood to the serum (fluid) portion. This comparison is reported as a percentage. A low number of red blood cells causes a low HCT. Men tend to have higher hematocrits than women. The hematocrit is often used along with a hemoglobin to evaluate anemias.
Hemoglobin (HGB)
Approximately one-third of each red cell is comprised of hemoglobin, which contains iron. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lung to body tissues. Men tend to have higher hemoglobin levels than women. Low values may indicate anemia, blood loss, and other conditions associated with iron loss.
MCV, MCH, and MCHC
These calculations help your physician determine if significant abnormalities are present requiring additional testing. The MCV measures the actual size of the average red blood cell. The MCH represents the weight of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell. The MCHC uses the MCV and the MCH to compare the size of the red blood cell to the amount of hemoglobin present. These calculations are helpful in classifying anemias.
Platelets
Platelets play a vital role in the blood clotting process. The platelets stop bleeding by sticking together and forming "plugs." A variety of disease conditions can cause low numbers of platelets; these Individuals tend to bleed more easily and excessively. Extremely low or high platelet counts may indicate blood disorders which require additional testing.
RDW
The red cell distribution width or RDW is an analysis of the variation in size of all red blood cells tested. This evaluation is helpful in classifying anemias.
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
Red blood cells are the major component of blood. They are made in the bone marrow and released into the circulating blood. This count is a good indicator of the body's ability to transport oxygenated blood to body tissues. A decreased number of red blood cells is associated with anemias, and other diseases affecting production of new red blood cells.
White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
Blood contains a variety of white blood cells, the body's defense system against infections. Elevated counts usually indicate infection or inflammation. A mild decrease in white blood cells is frequently seen in viral infections. Extremely elevated or decreased counts may indicate an active disease process, requiring medical evaluation by your physician.
WBC Differential
Five major types of white blood cells are normally found in the blood: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. The "differential count" gives the percentage of each cell type. Increases or decreases in the cell percentages are consistent with certain medical conditions. These percentages assist your physician in determining a specific diagnosis or disease state.
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