Absolute Blood Counts (6) Test

Absolute count refers to the count of various cells present in the blood. Each of these cells has a normal range and is usually present in that range in the body. In certain conditions such as infections, pyrexia, malignancies, etc there increase or decrease in these counts. This helps in the diagnosis of the conditions. They also help in monitoring the case after treatment has been initiated. Erythrocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, thrombocytes, eosinophils, etc are measured through the absolute counts. In certain cases such as infections increase in the lymphocyte counts helps in coming to a conclusion of the condition and helps to proceed further. Absolute counts are cheap but very effective examination procedure conducted in our everyday life.

First of all, the patient should be instructed about the procedure being carried out. The patient will have to wear a sleeveless or half sleeve dress so that blood can be easily drawn from cubital fossa. In case they are wearing a full sleeve dress, it should be easy for them to roll the sleeves up. The arm should be held straight and not moved when the needle is pierced to draw blood.

These absolute counts will detect the number of different kinds of cells present in the blood. The reports of the test will conclude whether the cells are in normal range or increased or decreased in number. The Decrease in the number of red blood cells reflects anemia. The Decrease in neutrophil counts occurs after chemotherapy for cancer. Increase in the count refers to leukemoid reactions. Increase in lymphocyte count occurs during infections. Increase in basophil count also occurs during infections.

Usually, 5-10 ml of blood is drawn for the purpose of absolute counts. Absolute counts are a part of complete blood picture. A cotton pad dipped in alcohol or spirit is used to clean the skin and make it sterile. Then a venipuncture needle is passed through the sterilized skin into the vein which is superficially visible and has a straight course appropriate to the length of the needle. Blood is drawn into the syringe. It is emptied into a storage container containing an anticoagulant such as EDTA which the blood from clotting. The container is then sealed with the name of the patient. These containers are then transported to the research laboratory for examination. The examination is performed either manually or with the help of an automated cell counter.