As the most common examination in the hospital, it is also the most difficult to understand examination, and many people who look at the index data have headaches, which also makes many people wonder why they need to do blood routine?
In fact, the role of blood routine is very extensive, mainly by measuring the number and proportion of various cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, and then diagnosing and monitoring possible disease risks.
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What are the main indicators of blood routine?
First of all, the white blood cell count is one of the key indicators in the routine blood test. The increase or decrease in the number of white blood cells, an important part of the immune system, can directly reflect whether the body is invaded by infection or inflammation.
When the white blood cell count is abnormally high, it may mean that the body is dealing with some kind of infection or inflammation and needs to see a doctor for further testing.
Secondly, red blood cell count and hemoglobin content are also important indicators in the routine blood test. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to various parts of the body, and hemoglobin is the main component of red blood cells that binds oxygen.
When the red blood cell count or hemoglobin level is lower than the normal range, it may lead to the appearance of anemia and other symptoms, and it is necessary to supplement iron or other nutrients in time to protect good health.
In addition, platelet count is also one of the indicators that cannot be ignored in the routine blood examination. Platelets play a vital role in the blood clotting process, and when the platelet count is abnormal, it can lead to an increased bleeding tendency or blood clotting disorders, requiring prompt medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
02
What can be detected by a blood routine?
An abnormal white blood cell count may indicate the presence of infection or inflammation. When the number of white blood cells is high, it may mean that the body is fighting some kind of infection, such as a cold, pneumonia, etc.
A low number of white blood cells may indicate a weakened immune system, such as certain diseases, drug use, or early manifestations of immune system disorders.
The measurement of red blood cells and hemoglobin is directly related to our oxygen-carrying capacity. Their decrease may indicate the development of anemia, which may be due to iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, or due to bone marrow disease, kidney disease, etc. When hemoglobin is significantly low, people may feel tired, dizzy, and even interfere with daily life and work.
An abnormal platelet count is also an important signal. Low platelets may lead to increased bleeding tendency, such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, etc., while high platelets may increase the risk of thrombosis, which can lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, etc.
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Can the "blood routine" detect cancer? The doctor told the truth, and after reading it, he gained knowledge
The blood routine examination mainly focuses on the detailed analysis of blood components such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets to obtain their number, morphology, and functional status. This test has some reference value for the initial screening of hematological-related cancers, but it does not directly diagnose cancer.
Although there is a link between the various indicators in the blood routine test and cancer, the link is not strong. The groups of cells in the blood are not very relevant to cancer, they are more a reflection of the overall condition of the blood system. Therefore, routine blood tests are used more for the screening of hematologic related tumors than for all types of cancer.
When it comes to solid tumors, the ability to perform routine blood tests is a bit stretched. Due to the fact that the formation and development of solid tumors involve a variety of complex factors, it is impossible to achieve scientific screening by relying on routine blood examination alone. However, this does not mean that routine blood tests are invaluable in cancer diagnosis.
In fact, physical ailments can often leave clues in a routine blood test. This is because platelets play an important role in the tumour formation process.
Platelets are like the "radar" of malignant tumors, which can sense and participate in the growth and spread of tumors. Clinical data suggest that thrombocytosis is often a sign of occult malignancy.
In a study of 140,000 patients with thrombocythemia without inflammation or iron deficiency, nearly 40% of patients were eventually diagnosed with occult malignancy.
Therefore, although a routine blood test cannot directly diagnose cancer, it is still an indispensable part of medical testing. By carefully analyzing and interpreting the results of routine blood tests, doctors can catch clues about the disease and provide important clues for further diagnosis and treatment.
04
There are 4 key tests to screen for cancer
Mammogram
For women, breast cancer is a health threat that cannot be ignored. Mammography, also known as mammography, is an important means of detecting abnormal structures inside the breast.
With low-dose X-rays, doctors are able to capture tiny calcifications and other abnormal signs in the breast tissue, allowing early detection of breast cancer.
Colonoscopy
Colon cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract. Colonoscopy is a visual look inside the colon that can detect polyps, inflammation and other abnormalities. This test not only helps to detect colon cancer early, but also reduces the risk of cancer by removing polyps when they are found.
Low-dose spiral CT of the lungs
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low-dose spiral CT of the lungs scans the lungs with low-dose X-rays, which can detect lung nodules, inflammation and other abnormalities, providing a strong basis for the diagnosis of early lung cancer.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
For men, prostate cancer is a health concern that needs attention. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a simple and rapid blood test that can help doctors assess the risk of prostate cancer. Although elevated PSA levels do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer, it can be used as a reference indicator for further investigations.