A general urine test (OAM), also called clinical, is one of the most common laboratory tests that is performed for diagnostic purposes. It is prescribed for many diseases and includes the determination of up to 20 indicators, each of which helps in making the correct diagnosis. If you have been assigned a general urinalysis, it will be helpful to familiarize yourself with the rules for interpreting its results.
Urine (Latin urina), or urine, is a type of biological fluid secreted by the kidneys. Together with urine, many metabolic products are excreted from the body, and therefore, by its characteristics, one can indirectly judge both the composition of the blood and the state of the urinary tract and kidneys.
Urine includes substances such as urea, uric acid, ketone bodies, amino acids, creatinine, glucose, protein, chlorides, sulfates, and phosphates. Analysis of the chemical and microbiological composition of urine plays an important role in the diagnosis: any deviations from the norm indicate an incorrect metabolism in the patient's body.
When is a general urine test prescribed? This study is necessary for any diseases of the genitourinary and endocrine systems, with abnormalities in the work of the cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as with suspected diabetes. Also, a general urine test is prescribed for patients who have had streptococcal infection. In addition, it is carried out for preventive purposes and to monitor the dynamics of diseases.
In order for the results of the analysis to reflect the true clinical picture, preparation for the procedure and collection of urine are carried out in compliance with a number of rules.
Basic requirements when preparing for a general urine analysis:
Collection rules:
Deciphering the results of a general urine test will help to understand the results obtained before visiting a doctor. However, in no case should one engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication based on the data obtained: for the correct analysis of the results and diagnosis, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Volume ... The total volume of fluid for analysis does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about diuresis disorders. It is only needed to determine the specific gravity of urine (relative density).
Diuresis is the volume of urine generated over a certain period of time (daily or minute urine output). Daily urine output is usually 1.5–2 liters (70–80% of the fluid you drink). An increase in daily urine output is called polyuria, a decrease to 500 ml is called oliguria.
Colour urine, like transparency, is determined by a laboratory assistant by eye. Normally, the color can range from straw to rich yellow. It is determined by the presence of dyes in the urine - urobilin, urosein, uroerythrin. Any other shades can signal certain pathologies in the body, for example:
Smell in the general analysis of urine is not decisive, since many foods containing essential oils or simply strong-smelling foods can give it a specific smell. However, some odors can indicate certain pathologies:
Normally, the smell of urine is mild, somewhat specific. If the container is open, the smell becomes pungent due to the oxidation process.
Frothiness ... Normally, when urine is shaken, foam practically does not form in it, and if it does, it is transparent and unstable. If the foam is persistent or stained, we can talk about jaundice or the presence of protein in the urine.
Transparency the urine of a healthy person approaches absolute. Cloudiness can be caused by the presence of red blood cells, bacteria, mucus, fats, salts, pus, and other substances. The presence of any substance is detected using special techniques (heating, adding various acids, etc.). If erythrocytes, bacteria, protein or epithelium were detected in the urine, this indicates urolithiasis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis and some other diseases. Leukocytes indicate cystitis. The precipitation of salts indicates the presence of urates, phosphates, oxalates.
Density ... The specific gravity of urine is an indicator that depends on age. The norm for adults and children over 12 years old is 1.010–1.022 g / l, for children 4–12 years old - 1.012–1.020, for children aged 2–3 years - 1.010–1.017, newborns - 1.008–1.018. The density of urine depends on the amount of salts, proteins, sugars and other substances dissolved in it. In some pathologies, this figure rises due to the presence of bacteria, leukocytes, erythrocytes. An increased rate may indicate diabetes mellitus, infectious processes in the urinary tract. In pregnant women, it indicates toxicosis. Also, the density can be increased due to insufficient fluid intake or loss. A decreased indicator indicates renal failure, diabetes insipidus. It can also occur with heavy drinking or taking diuretics.
Acidity normally it is in the range of 4–7 pH. A decreased indicator may indicate the presence of many diseases: chronic renal failure, high levels of potassium in the blood, parathyroid hormones, ureaplasmosis, kidney or bladder cancer, etc. High acidity also occurs with dehydration and starvation, when taking certain medications, at high temperatures and plentiful consumption of meat. A pH above normal may indicate diabetes mellitus, a decrease in potassium levels and violations of the acid-base balance of the blood.
Protein ... Normally, its concentration should not exceed 0.033 g / l. Detection of an increased content can indicate kidney damage, inflammation in the genitourinary system, allergic reactions, leukemia, epilepsy, heart failure. An increase in the amount of protein occurs with increased physical exertion, profuse sweating, and long walking.
Increased protein in urine is determined in physically poorly developed children 7-16 years old and pregnant women.
Sugar (glucose) in urine at normal - no more than 0.8 mmol / l. Increased sugar can be a consequence of diabetes, excessive consumption of sweets, impaired renal function, acute pancreatitis, Cushing's syndrome, increased adrenaline levels due to adrenal gland damage. Also, an increased sugar content in urine can occur during pregnancy.
Bilirubin Is a bile pigment that should normally be absent in urine. Its detection indicates a sharp increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood, because of which the kidneys take on the work of removing it (normally, bilirubin is completely excreted through the intestines). An increased level of this pigment in the urine indicates cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, liver failure, cholelithiasis. Also, the cause may be massive destruction of red blood cells in the blood due to hemolytic disease, sickle cell anemia, malaria, toxic hemolysis.
Ketone bodies (acetone) normally should not be determined in the general analysis of urine. Their detection indicates metabolic disorders as a result of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, acute pancreatitis, thyrotoxicosis, and Itsenko-Cushing's disease. Also, the formation of ketone bodies occurs during fasting, due to alcohol intoxication, with excessive consumption of protein and fatty foods, due to toxicosis in pregnant women, as well as after injuries that have affected the central nervous system.
Sediment (organic, inorganic) ... In the general analysis of urine, sediment is understood as cells, cylinders, and salt crystals precipitated after short-term centrifugation. We will talk in more detail about the various substances that can be detected in the sediment below.
Blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes) ... Erythrocytes - red blood cells - may be present in the urine in small quantities (for women - 0-3 in the field of view, single - for men). An increased content of red blood cells indicates serious diseases, such as:
Leukocytes in the sediment, identified in the general analysis of urine, may be the result of diseases of the urinary tract (pyelonephritis, cystitis, urolithiasis, prostatitis, urethritis, cystitis, etc.). Normally, leukocytes in urine in women and children are 0-6 in the field of view, in men - 0-3.
If in the results of the general analysis of urine you have an elevated level of leukocytes, you should make an appointment with a urologist, who will probably prescribe additional studies - repeated OAM or in conjunction with a urine test according to Nechiporenko, three-glass test, ultrasound of the kidneys. Often, all fears are dispelled after repeated and additional studies.
Hyaline cylinders - These are cylindrical formations, in which the cells of the renal tubules and protein predominate. Normally, they should not be in the urine. Their detection (over 20 in 1 ml) speaks of hypertension, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis. These cylindrical formations can also occur when taking diuretics.
Granular cylinders ... They are dominated by erythrocytes and renal tubule cells. The presence of granular casts in the urine in any quantity indicates viral infections, pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis. Lead poisoning is also possible.
Wax cylinders , or waxy casts, are formed as a result of prolonged stay in the lumen of the renal tubule of a hyaline or granular cylinder. Their presence in urine in any quantity indicates such pathologies as chronic renal failure, renal amyloidosis (deposition of insoluble protein - amyloid in the kidney tissue), nephrotic syndrome.
Bacteria ... The presence of any bacteria in the general analysis of urine indicates inflammatory processes in the urinary system. That is, bacteria should normally be absent. Their detection indicates such infectious diseases as urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis and others. For the results to be reliable, careful hygiene of the intimate areas is necessary before urine collection.
Mushrooms in urine, which normally should not be determined, are the result of infectious fungal infections of the urinary tract and external genital organs. In addition, their detection may indicate immunodeficiency states and long-term use of antibiotics.
Salt ... Their absence in urine is normal, and their presence in the sediment may indicate the possibility of kidney stones formation. An increased content of uric acid (urate) can be the result of gout, nephritis, chronic renal failure. Urates are often the result of a particular diet and dehydration. It is normal for newborns to have urate. Oxalates can be formed due to diabetes mellitus and pyelonephritis, crystals of hippuric acid - due to intestinal dysbiosis and liver failure, phosphates - due to the high content of calcium in the urine. However, it is always worth remembering that the identification of certain salts is often associated with an increased consumption of certain products, which means that their concentration can be easily reduced by changing the diet.
A summary table of the main indicators of the general analysis of urine with normal values is as follows:
So, with the help of a general urine analysis, it is possible to identify a variety of diseases of the kidneys and bladder, problems with the prostate gland, tumors and pyelonephritis, as well as a number of pathological conditions in the initial stages, when there are no clinical manifestations as such. Therefore, OAM should be performed not only when painful sensations appear, but also for the prevention and early detection of many diseases of the genitourinary system in order to prevent their further development.
Every time we go to the clinic for health problems, the doctor will write out a referral for tests. These are the first indicators that can signal a malfunction in the body. Among the first, a biochemical blood test will be prescribed.
Blood is the internal environment of the body, it has constant indicators. This liquid is present in absolutely every corner of the body, in all organs and tissues, therefore, in its composition, you can find a lot of different substances that enter the body and are formed as a result of its vital activity.
Biochemical analysis allows you to accurately determine the presence of all these substances. If we compare the indicators normal and laboratory established, it is possible to establish what violations in the functioning of internal organs are present.
Blood biochemistry is sometimes the only way to objectively confirm or deny a diagnosis.
This is most commonly done in the following areas:
But in other areas, blood biochemistry is sometimes indispensable.
Such an analysis can be prescribed not only to those who are undergoing a course of inpatient treatment, but also to the patient of the district doctor. Such a study can be carried out for the purpose of making a diagnosis or to monitor indicators during therapy.
Biochemical analysis includes many indicators, but in each specific case, a list can be assigned, which must be determined. For example, if you have diabetes, then, first of all, sugar indicators are taken into account.
As a rule, biochemistry indicators are determined in the following situations:
This is not a complete list of diseases for which biochemistry analysis is shown. Almost any problems with internal organs give changes in the data of a biochemical blood test.
Blood for biochemical analysis is taken from a vein located in the area of the elbow bend. The puncture site must be treated with an antiseptic, and the laboratory assistant collects the blood in a test tube intended for this purpose.
In order for the analysis indicators to be as reliable as possible, it is necessary to adhere to some recommendations:
To decipher the analysis for biochemistry, it is necessary to have an idea of what the parameters under investigation should be in the norm. The table shows the main criteria and their normative values.
| Indicators | Norm |
| Sugar | 3.3-5.6 mmol / l |
| Bilirubin | 3.4-17.1 μmol / l |
| Aspartate aminotrasferase (AST) U / L | |
| In men In women | Up to 37 Up to 30 |
| Alanine aminotrasferase (ALT) U / L | |
| Male Female | Up to 40-45 Up to 30-34 |
| (Gamma-GT) U / l | |
| - Men - Women | Not more than 55 Not more than 38 |
| Cholesterol | 3.2-5.6 mmol / L |
| Triglycerides | 0.41-1.8 mmol / l |
| Total protein | 60-83 g / l |
| Albumen | 32-52 g / l |
| Ions: (K +) | 3.5-5.5 mmol / l |
| (Na +) | 136-145 mmol / l |
| (Cl-) | 98-107 mmol / l |
| Creatinine (μmol / L) | |
| Men Women | 62 to 11553-96 |
| Uric acid (μmol / l) | |
| In men In women | From 210 to 420 From 150 to 350 |
| C-reactive protein | 0-5 mg / l |
| Serum iron (μmol / L) | |
| In the blood of men Women | 11.64 to 30.43 Within 8.95 to 30.43 |
It is not enough to get your hands on the results of a blood test, you still need to decipher them, that is, compare the normal values and those obtained. In any analysis form, there are reference values, but it is quite difficult for a person who does not understand this to understand all these numbers.
Sometimes deviations in just a few indicators are already clearly indicative of a particular disease, but more often it will be necessary to compare many analysis data.
Let's find out what is the reason for the deviation from the standard indicators.
The blood plasma contains proteins. Their amount just shows the value of the total protein. It is determined when there is a suspicion of diseases of internal organs. If the obtained values exceed the norm, then this may signal the following problems:
If the blood test shows a low level of protein, then this is usually due to:
To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo additional research.
This substance is a pigment, it is formed after the destruction of red blood cells. The normal exchange of bilirubin is maintained by the liver, therefore, in diseases of this organ, this indicator is determined first. If there is more free bilirubin than normal, then this may indicate the presence of:
If the level of bound bilirubin increases, then there is cholelithiasis, pancreatic tumors, and inflammatory processes in the biliary tract.
The blood plasma necessarily contains various enzymes, the determination of their activity occurs during biochemical analysis. Which enzymes enter the plasma is another question, but if their activity increases sharply, then this indicates cell damage.
For example, if the level of aminotransferases increases: ALat, ALaT, then this may indicate the following:
In some diseases, the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) rises, this includes the following diseases:
If keratinophosphokinase rises, then this indicates the presence of:
This substance is formed in the body as a product of the final breakdown of protein molecules. Most of the uric acid is disposed of through the kidneys, a very small part in the feces. If the normal levels of urea are elevated in the blood, then we can talk about the presence of:
This indicator is always checked first of all in patients with diabetes mellitus. A deviation from the norm in a healthy person may indicate:
The glucose rate can also be significantly lowered, this is usually a sign of:
Biochemical analysis only states the facts, and the doctor's task is to clarify the diagnosis and find out the cause of the deviation from the norm.
The fats that enter the body are simply irreplaceable in life, moreover, they are a source of energy.
All lipids in the body are divided into several groups, but cholesterol is the most important for analysis. Its amount can be either below the norm or exceed it. If a biochemical analysis confirms an elevated cholesterol level, then this may be a symptom of the following diseases:
Many are afraid of high cholesterol, but it turns out that if its values are less than normal, then this is also bad for the body, this usually says that there are:
You should not try to diagnose yourself and, moreover, prescribe treatment. This should only be done by a specialist.
A child's blood test includes the determination of the same indicators as in adults. It's just that their value can differ significantly from that of women and men. This is due to the characteristics of the child's body. Let's focus only on the most important indicators:
Now many parents are quite literate, they have an idea of the indicators that are studied in the analysis. But do not panic if abnormalities are found. If there are no symptoms of the disease and other studies do not confirm it, then the analysis data are just numbers in the form. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that many factors can affect the results, the attending physician will tell you in detail about them.
Health to you and your children!
A person in his entire life has to take some tests more than once. So, the most popular type of research is the study of urine. This is what will be discussed in this article. You will learn what a urine test can show and how to decipher the results obtained. It is also worth mentioning those pathologies that are most often detected by this examination.
For starters, it should be said that there are several ways to research this material. The most common is general. If the result obtained does not satisfy the doctor, then additional studies can be prescribed: bacteriological examination, daily examination, Zimnitsky test and others.
How to recognize the obtained data after research? Of course, it is worth considering the norms of the laboratory. It doesn't matter what kind of research was done. Normal values should always be quoted. It is worth noting that different laboratories have different standards. If your results are within the suggested range, then the health of the body is normal. In the case when (result) is obtained, it is necessary to conduct additional research on this material.
Consider what should be the results of urine analysis (decoding) in a normal state.
Urine volume
This indicator should be in the range from 500 to 2000 milliliters. It should be noted that the study of the daily volume is rarely carried out. There are direct indications for this (most often kidney disease).
For a standard analysis, it is necessary to pass from 100 to 200 milliliters. This is considered the normal amount of material.
Material color
First, transparency is defined. In the event that the material is cloudy or has impurities in the form of flakes, you will most likely have a poor urinalysis.
The color is also determined. It should normally be light yellow or amber.
Smell
This indicator should be unremarkable. Most often, urine has an aromatic, mild odor. In this case, the word "norm" is indicated in the form. Various unpleasant impurities indicate the presence of pathology.
Urine pH
The urinalysis table indicates that this indicator should be in the range from 5 to 8. A decrease or increase in acidity may indicate a pathology of the urinary tract.
Detailed data
Also during the study, additional data are revealed. The results in this case are as follows:
Detailed analysis is carried out using a microscope. The lab technician takes one milliliter of urine and examines it.
After getting the result, there are two options. The indicators may be completely normal. In this case, the person is considered healthy. Deviations from the norm can also be detected, which indicate various pathologies. So what can a urine test show? Most often, deviations from normal indicators indicate kidney and urinary tract diseases.
A large number of leukocytes and erythrocytes testifies to infection. Also in this case, nitrites and cylinders are found, which in a normal state should not be at all.
A decrease in the level of urine excreted per day may indicate an infection. In this case, most often we are talking about dehydration of the body, which occurred due to a certain ailment. These pathologies include influenza, a viral disease accompanied by fever, alcohol abuse and other diseases.
What can a urinalysis show if there is an unusual color or cloudiness of the material? Most often, this phenomenon indicates inflammation of the bladder or urinary tract. Also, the material can acquire a cloudy shade if it is kept in a container for a long time.
The bright red color of the material indicates bleeding from the urinary tract. In this case, cystitis is most often diagnosed. A bluish tint indicates the addition of a bacterial infection. However, such an indicator can be detected in the case of the use of certain drugs. That is why it is worth giving up medications two days before the test.
What can a urine test show in case of an unpleasant odor? Most often, this phenomenon indicates a urinary tract infection. Also, a foreign smell may appear in the case of long-term storage of the material.
This pathology is evidenced by the presence.Also, with various pathologies of the kidneys, the number of leukocytes increases, many cylinders and erythrocytes are found.
A dark red or burgundy hue of urine can be observed with inflammation of the kidneys (pyelonephritis or glomerulunifritis). Sometimes a certain food gives such a shade: beets or carrots.
A bacterial study can also tell about kidney disease, as a result of which a large growth of microorganisms is detected.
When found in the test material, as well as nitrites and glucose, diabetes mellitus is suspected. However, this diagnosis cannot be made only on the basis of the results of one urine test.
Suspicion of such a disease also arises when an excess of daily urine is detected. In this case, the kidneys do a lot of work, distilling huge volumes of material every day.
So, now you know what is the decoding for urine analysis in adults. It should be noted that the results of the study of the child's material may differ significantly. What is normal for a baby can be a pathology for an adult.
If you get a bad test result, do not panic and immediately begin serious treatment. You may need to retake the test. Often there are cases when the result is influenced by a person's diet and lifestyle. Also, improper collection of material can give false information about the state of health.
Take a urine test as recommended by your doctor. This study is very simple and quick, but it can tell about many deviations in the body. If necessary, you will be assigned additional, more detailed studies. Keep your health under control and don't get sick!
The simplest and most painless way to obtain information about the functional activity of the human body is a general clinical study of urine. This type of laboratory diagnosis is one of the most common methods, which is carried out for prophylactic and diagnostic purposes. Even with the development of modern medical technology, general urinalysis (OAM) has not lost its importance. In many cases, its indicators, along with blood test parameters, become an important informative tool for diagnosing acute pathological processes in the urinary system and monitoring the course of chronic diseases.
That is why it will be useful for each of us to find out how to give up correctly and what a general urine test shows.
Urine (in Latin - urine) is the final waste product of the human body. Urination is one of the main functions of the organs of the excretory system, which provide filtration and excretion of unnecessary substances. The urine contains excess biological fluid, which the human body gets rid of to maintain the balance of salts, water and other vital chemical components.
Some pathological processes in the body can change the composition of urine. All deviations from normal parameters that were detected during the analysis are entered into the results form, which is given to the patient at the end of the study.
A referral for a clinical urinalysis issued by the treating doctor should not cause any concern to the patient. This procedure is shown to everyone (both adults and children) once a year as a preventive examination - the study provides information about the absence of health problems.
If there is a suspicion of the development of a pathological process in the patient's body, a general urinalysis can confirm or challenge the assumption.
Many people have had to collect urine repeatedly for various laboratory tests. However, not everyone knows that obtaining accurate analysis results depends on the fulfillment of certain rules for preparing for the study. Here are the basic requirements:
A general clinical study of the morning portion of urine is performed, it must be collected in a special sterile container, purchased in advance in the pharmacy network
OAM is performed in clinical laboratories of public medical institutions and private medical centers.
To collect biological material, it is important for the patient to fulfill certain conditions.:
The biomaterial must be delivered to the laboratory center no later than two hours after collection - long-term storage of urine affects the analysis results
Now is the time to find out what exactly does the urine test show?
The OAM results reflect the following data:
Let's take a closer look at each of the indicators and consider what parameters it determines and what exactly it reveals.
The amount of a single urination is variable. It ranges from 100 to 200 ml. The daily volume of excreted urine (diuresis) is one of the most important criteria for normal renal function and is 2 liters in a healthy adult and 1.5 liters in a child.
A certain food or drug can change the color of urine, for example, beets and aspirin give urine a pink tint
The color of normal urine has a light yellow tint, its change indicates the presence of pathological processes in the organs of the urinary system:
The smell of normal urine is specific, not sharp, its change indicates various pathological conditions:
The transparency of urine is influenced by various factors indicating the development of the disease:
Relative density is an important indicator that can provide information about impairments in the ability of the kidneys to concentrate and dilute salts and various substances.
To measure the density of urine, a special device is used - a urometer
Normally, the specific gravity of urine ranges from 1006 to 1026 g / l. Its increase is typical for:
A decrease in the indicator is observed with damage to the tubules of the kidneys, diabetes insipidus, renal failure.
The reaction of the urine environment is normally neutral, slightly acidic or slightly alkaline, pH ranges from 5.0 to 7.0. A decrease in parameters is observed with the predominance of meat food in the diet, an increase - with plant nutrition.
Normally, urine does not contain organic products, their presence can show the attending physician that various pathological processes are developing in the patient's body:
The final stage of OAM is centrifugation of a sample of biological material to obtain a sediment, which is examined in detail under a microscope to detect and count the number of urine formed elements.
The more modern the laboratory equipment, the more accurate urine analysis can be obtained.
The presence of erythrocytes in urine is characteristic for:
Normally, leukocytes are contained in the urine no more than 5-6 in the field of view, an increase in their number indicates an inflammatory process:
Epithelial cells (desquamated flat cells of the mucous membranes of the bladder) are observed in normal urine in an amount of 4-5 per field. Their significant number and the appearance in the urine of epithelial cells of the ureters and renal tissue indicates impaired renal function.
Cylinders are casts of cellular elements that are formed in the kidney tubules when:
Presence of urine in sediment salt crystals signals kidney stones or gout.
Bacteria and yeast they are not found in normal urine, their presence is a reason for contacting a nephrologist or urologist.
Summing up all of the above, I would like to note that the general clinical examination of urine provides practicing medical specialists with important information about the state of functional activity not only of the urinary organs, but also of the patient's body as a whole. That is why it is worthwhile to pay special attention to obtaining accurate results of this analysis. Even without obvious manifestations of diseases, it will allow you to start rational treatment of a hidden pathological process on time.
Diagnosis of cancerous tumors is a comprehensive examination using specific instrumental and laboratory methods. It is carried out according to indications, among which there are violations identified by a standard clinical blood test.
Malignant neoplasms grow very intensively, while consuming vitamins and minerals, as well as releasing their waste products into the blood, lead to significant intoxication of the body. Nutrients are taken from the blood, the products of their processing go there, which affects its composition. Therefore, it is often during routine examinations and laboratory tests that signs of a dangerous disease are found.
Cancer can be suspected based on the results of standard and special studies. In pathological processes in the body, changes in the composition and properties of blood are reflected in:
However, it is impossible to reliably determine cancer from a blood test. Deviations of any indicators can be caused by diseases that have nothing to do with oncology. Even the specific and most informative analysis for tumor markers does not give a 100% guarantee of the presence or absence of the disease and needs to be confirmed.
This type of laboratory study gives an idea of the number of basic formed elements that are responsible for the functions of the blood. A decrease or increase in any indicators is a signal of trouble, including the presence of neoplasms. A sample is taken from a finger (sometimes from a vein) in the morning, on an empty stomach. The table below shows the main categories of a general or clinical blood test and their normal values.
When interpreting the analyzes, it is necessary to take into account that, depending on gender and age, the indicators may differ, there are also physiological reasons for the increase or decrease in the values.
| Name, unit of measure | Description | Quantity |
| Hemoglobin (HGB), g / l | Component of red blood cells, transports oxygen | 120-140 |
| Erythrocytes (RBC), cells / l | Indicator of the number of red cells | 4-5x10 12 |
| Color index | Has diagnostic value in anemia | 0,85-1,05 |
| Reticulocytes (RTC). % | Young red blood cells | 0,2-1,2% |
| Platelets (PLT), cells / l | Provide hemostasis | 180-320x10 9 |
| ESR (ESR), mm / h | Erythrocyte plasma sedimentation rate | 2-15 |
| Leukocytes (WBC), cells / l | Carry out protective functions: maintaining immunity, fighting foreign agents and removing dead cells | 4-9x10 9 |
| Lymphocytes (LYM),% | These elements are the components of the concept of "leukocytes". Their number and ratio is called the leukocyte formula, which is of great diagnostic value in many diseases. | 25-40 |
| Eosinophils,% | 0,5-5 | |
| Basophils,% | 0-1 | |
| Monocytes,% | 3-9 | |
| Neutrophils: stab | 1-6 | |
| segmented | 47-72 | |
| myelocytes | 0 | |
| metamyelocytes | 0 |
Almost all of these blood counts in oncology change in the direction of decrease or increase. What exactly the doctor pays attention to when studying the results of the analysis:
It should be borne in mind that a decrease in hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells is characteristic of common anemia caused by iron deficiency. An increase in ESR is observed in inflammatory processes. Therefore, such signs of oncology based on blood tests are considered indirect and need to be confirmed.
The purpose of this analysis, carried out annually, is to obtain information about metabolism, the work of various internal organs, the balance of vitamins and microelements. A biochemical blood test in oncology is also informative, since a change in certain values allows conclusions to be drawn about the presence of cancerous tumors. From the table you can find out what indicators should be normal.
It is possible to suspect cancer with a biochemical blood test if the following values do not correspond to the norm:
If cancer is suspected, a biochemical blood test cannot be used to confirm the diagnosis. Even if there are coincidences on all points, additional laboratory tests will need to be done. As for the blood donation itself, it is taken from a vein in the morning, and it is impossible to eat and drink (it is allowed to use boiled water) from the previous evening.
If a biochemical and general blood test in oncology gives only a general idea of the presence of a pathological process, then a study for tumor markers even allows you to determine the location of a malignant neoplasm. This is the name of a blood test for cancer, which detects specific compounds produced by the tumor itself or the body in response to its presence.
In total, about 200 tumor markers are known, but a little more than twenty are used for diagnosis. Some of them are specific, that is, they indicate damage to a specific organ, while others can be detected in different types of cancer. For example, alpha-fetoprotein is a common tumor marker for oncology; it is found in almost 70% of patients. The same applies to CEA (cancer embryonic antigen). Therefore, to determine the type of tumor, the blood is examined for a combination of general and specific tumor markers:
But with all the accuracy and information content, the diagnosis of oncology by blood analysis for tumor markers is preliminary. The presence of antigens can be a sign of inflammation and other diseases, and CEA is always elevated in smokers. Therefore, without confirmation by instrumental studies, the diagnosis is not made.
This question is natural. If poor results are not evidence of oncology, could it be the other way around? Yes it is possible. The test result may be affected by the small size of the tumor or the intake of drugs (given that for each tumor marker there is a specific list of drugs that can lead to false positive or false negative results, the attending physician and laboratory staff should be notified of the drugs taken by the patient).
Even if the blood tests are good and the instrumental diagnostics did not give a result, but there are subjective complaints of pain, we can talk about an extraorgan tumor. For example, its retroperitoneal variety is detected already at 4 stages, before that, practically not letting anyone know about itself. The age factor is also important, since metabolism slows down over the years, and antigens enter the blood too slowly.
The risk of contracting cancer is approximately the same for both sexes, but the beautiful half of humanity has an additional vulnerability. The female reproductive system is at high risk of cancer, especially the mammary glands, which makes breast cancer the 2nd most common cancer among all malignant neoplasms. The epithelium of the cervix is also prone to malignant transformation, so women should be responsible for examinations and pay attention to the following test results:
If something is alarming in the analyzes and there are characteristic signs of oncology in the initial stage, the visit to the doctor cannot be postponed. In addition, the gynecologist should be visited at least once a year, and the breast should be regularly examined independently. These simple preventive measures often help detect cancer early.
An examination should be carried out with a prolonged deterioration in well-being in the form of weakness, constant low temperature, fatigue, weight loss, anemia of unknown origin, enlarged lymph nodes, the appearance of seals in the mammary glands, changes in the color and size of moles, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by the passage of blood after defecation, obsessive cough without signs of infection, etc.
Additional reasons are:
The analysis does not take much time, while helping to identify a life-threatening disease in time and cure it in the least traumatic ways. In addition, such examinations should become regular (at least once a year) for those who have relatives with cancer or are over the age of forty.
Blood for antigen testing is taken from a vein in the morning. The results are issued within 1-3 days, and in order for them to be reliable, certain recommendations must be followed:
After receiving the results on hand, one should not draw any independent conclusions and make diagnoses. This blood test for cancer does not have one hundred percent reliability and requires instrumental confirmation.
