Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells are one of the most vital components of the blood. A single drop of blood contains millions of red blood cells which are constantly travelling through your body delivering oxygen and removing waste. The cells are red because they contain a protein chemical called haemoglobin which is bright red in colour.
Haemoglobin carries oxygen and gives the blood cell its red colour. The haemoglobin test measures the amount of haemoglobin in blood and is a good measure of the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.
HCT (haematocrit) measures the amount of space (volume) red blood cells take up in the blood.
Red cell count analyses the number of red cells in the blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. They also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs so it can be exhaled. If the red cell count is low (anaemia), the body may not be getting the oxygen it needs. If the count is too high there is a chance that the red blood cells will clump together and block tiny blood vessels. This also makes it hard for your red blood cells to carry oxygen.
MCV (mean corpuscular volume) shows the size of the red blood cells.
MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin) is the amount of haemoglobin in an average red blood cell.
MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) is the concentration of haemoglobin in an average red blood cell.
MCV, MCH and MCHC values help in the diagnosis of different types of anaemia.
RDW (red cell distribution width) shows if the cells are all the same or different sizes or shapes.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells are the key to the body’s immune or defence system. They fight infections and protect our body from foreign particles such as harmful germs and bacteria.
White blood cells are colourless as they do not contain any haemoglobin. They are formed from the stem cell of the bone marrow and have a life-span of a few of days.
The major types of white blood cells are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
Each type of cell plays a different role in protecting the body. The numbers of each one of these types of white blood cells give important information about the immune system.
Clotting cells or Platelets are the smallest type of blood cell. They are important in blood clotting. When bleeding occurs, the platelets swell, clump together, and form a sticky plug that helps stop the bleeding. If there are too few platelets, uncontrolled bleeding may be a problem. If there are too many platelets, there is a chance of a blood clot forming in a blood vessel.
MPV (mean platelet volume) is a measurement of the average size of the platelets. New platelets are larger, and an increased MPV occurs when increased numbers of platelets are being produced. MPV provides an indication of platelet production in your bone marrow.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is an Inflammation Marker which is a non-specific test used to help diagnose conditions associated with acute and chronic inflammation, including infections, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. It is said to be non-specific because increases do not indicate exactly where the inflammation is in your body or what is causing it, and also because it can be affected by other conditions besides inflammation. For this reason, ESR is typically used in conjunction with other tests. (not available if finger prick sample)
These tests and many more are all included in our Health Checks.