Doctors suggest periodic checkups to ensure complete well-being. One such test advised by doctors is a hemogram test. This diagnostic test can help determine various important components present in blood. This blog aims to explore hemogram tests in detail, with a comprehensive understanding of their significance, when to take these tests and how to understand their reported results. 

What is a Hemogram Test?

A hemogram test is a comprehensive blood analysis technique used to measure various components of the red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBC), platelets, hemoglobin and other vital components. These factors are analyzed to give healthcare providers valuable knowledge about the functioning of the immune system, blood cell health, clotting abilities, and potential underlying health conditions. The information provided by a hemogram test aids in the diagnosis, monitoring of diseases, and overall health assessment.

Importance of Hemogram Test

The hemogram blood test is a very important diagnostic tool that helps medical professionals in detecting and monitoring a wide range of physical conditions, such as the following:

• Diagnosing anemia: Anemia is characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin. The hemogram test can be used to measure the number of red blood cells and the amount of hemoglobin, which helps in providing essential information for diagnosing and monitoring anemia.
• Identifying infections and inflammation: An individual’s blood count can be affected by infections and inflammatory conditions, which can be identified with the help of a hemogram. Hemogram tests can also identify infections and their severity by analyzing the white blood cell count. 
• Detecting blood disorders: Hemogram tests can help doctors detect the presence of blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Hemograms can detect abnormalities in the blood cell composition such as elevated or reduced quantity of specific cells that can be very helpful in indicating a possible presence of a blood disorder requiring further diagnosis and treatment. 
• Monitoring treatment: Hemograms can be an effective tool for patients undergoing chemotherapy as they can help in monitoring the effectiveness of the remedy on the blood cell counts. This is an important tool to report the patient’s response to the therapy being provided and to make any adjustments if necessary. 
• Screening for certain cancers: Hemogram blood tests can be effective in indicating the presence of certain types of cancer, but it is not a definite diagnostic tool. The presence of abnormalities in the blood cell count can be a sign to investigate further and determine their cause. 

When to Take a Hemogram Test?

A hemogram test could be advised for a variety of reasons. 

• It is frequently done as a part of regular check-ups to evaluate general health. 
• A complete hemogram test is used to assess a patient’s blood cell counts and clotting capacity prior to surgery. 
• Regular hemogram tests help patients with chronic conditions to monitor their health and gauge the effectiveness of the treatment. 
• The test can shed light on possible underlying medical conditions in cases with unexplained symptoms. 
• Hemogram tests are frequently carried out during pregnancy to ensure the health of both the mother and the growing fetus. 

Your healthcare provider will decide the requirement for these tests based on your individual issues. 

Difference between CBC Test and Hemogram Test

The CBC test and hemogram test are sometimes used interchangeably when discussing blood analysis, which causes confusion. 

Blood Cell Counts:

• CBC Test: The CBC test measures the counts of various blood cells, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
• Hemogram Test: The complete hemogram test includes the CBC test but goes further by providing a differential count of white blood cells. This breakdown counts the proportions of different types of WBCs present in the blood.

Haemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels:

• CBC Test: The CBC test assesses the levels of hemoglobin (carries oxygen in the blood) and hematocrit (represents the percentage of RBCs in the total blood volume).
• Hemogram Test: The hemogram test incorporates the CBC test and provides additional information on the immune system and specific conditions related to the differential count of WBCs.

White Blood Cell Analysis:

• CBC Test: The CBC test provides a total count of white blood cells (WBCs), giving an overall assessment of the number of white blood cells present in the blood sample. It offers a general indication of the immune system's response and can help identify potential abnormalities if the WBC count is significantly higher or lower than the reference range.
• Hemogram Test: The hemogram test, on the other hand, includes a differential count of white blood cells in addition to the total WBC count. The differential count includes the count of different types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. 

Understanding Hemogram Test Results

The test result of a hemogram usually contains the total counts of the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, their differential counts, hematocrit values and haemoglobin values as well as their corresponding reference ranges. 

You may compare your data with the laboratory-provided reference ranges. These reference ranges are established using data from the general population, however, they could change significantly depending on the age, sex and health problems. 

While results beyond the reference ranges could point to possible health issues, you must speak to your doctor to understand if there is a need for further evaluation. Your doctor may take your medical history, clinical symptoms and other tests in account before giving a diagnosis.

Conclusion

The hemogram test is crucial in determining your general health and to identify any potential anomalies in blood cell counts. This test enables medical experts to identify and track a variety of medical disorders by giving them important information about your immune system, red blood cell health and platelet function. As advised by your doctor,  one must schedule routine hemogram testing to steer clear of several health conditions. 

Explore Hemogram Test

FAQs

Q. Is fasting required for a hemogram test?

In most cases, fasting is not necessary for a hemogram test. However, your healthcare provider may provide specific instructions based on your current health condition.

Q. Can a hemogram test diagnose cancer?

While a hemogram test can indicate certain types of cancer, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool. Further investigations, such as biopsies and imaging tests, are typically required for a conclusive diagnosis.

Q. Are hemogram tests safe?

Hemogram tests are safe and minimally invasive, involving a simple blood draw. However, as with any medical procedure, there may be minor risks such as bruising or infection at the site of the blood draw.

Reviewed by Dr. Sonia Bhatt