Blood counts can be used to identify disease and monitor patient health during cancer treatments. Though these tests cannot diagnose lymphoma on their own, they can alert doctors to a problem in the body, prompting them to conduct the appropriate tests. Since most chemotherapy regimens result in low blood counts, these tests become very important in monitoring patient health once a diagnosis is made.
Blood tests are used to measure and inspect the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A complete blood count (CBC) will test all three cell types. This test requires only a few drops of blood to conduct.
Almost all cell counting is done via machine, though hematology technicians (specialists in bloodwork) will look at the blood cells under a microscope as well to ensure there are no abnormalities in shape or size.
Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. A depletion of red blood cells can lead to anemia, which results in fatigue, dizziness, or more serious symptoms if left untreated. Typical RBC levels are:
The amount of RBCs is also shown via the Hematocrit, which is a ratio of the number of RBCs to the volume of blood. Typical values are:
Hemoglobin is a molecule on a RBC that allows it to carry oxygen. Low hemoglobin counts can also result in anemia and fatigue. Typical levels are:
White blood cells contain the immune cells that attack and remove bacteria and viruses in the body. Low WBC counts can indicate that a patient is in danger of infection. High WBC counts can indicate an existing infection, leukemia, or tissue damage. Typical levels are:
There are many different types of WBCs, and their values differ. They are:
Neutrophils are the body’s first line of defense against infection and disease. These special cells help with inflammation as a result of bacteria or cuts in the skin, and they are responsible for pus. A low level of neutrophils (called neutropenia) leaves a patient susceptible to disease. Obesity and smoking increase neutrophil count - for each pack of cigarettes smoked per day the granulocyte count can increase by 1000/µL
An ANC reflects the number of cells in a microliter of blood. This level is usually above 1000 cells per microliter, though chemotherapy depletes this count.
B-cells and T-cells are lymphocytes. Depletion of these levels can also increase a patient’s risk of infection. Typical levels are:
Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. Typical levels are: 133,000 to 333,000 platelets per microliter of blood. If this level decreases to below 30,000 (called thrombocytopenia) then abnormal bleeding can occur. Counts below 5,000 are life threatening.
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