The two most popular tests in medicine are a general (clinical) blood test and a general urinalysis.

What can be learned from the analysis

Clinical blood analysis is a simple study that provides a lot of information for the attending physician. Some information that can be obtained from this study:

1. are there diseases of the blood system;
2. to which group does the pathology of the blood system belong (anemia, malignant tumor of the bone marrow) and what will be the next diagnosis;
3. Is there inflammation or an infectious process in the body;
4. does the person smoke, has he been in the mountains;
5. Does he experience emotional or physical overload?

How to pass the analysis correctly

Do general blood analysis in Kyiv it is necessary on an empty stomach. It is understood that 8 hours should pass since the last meal. At the same time, you should refrain from smoking and alcohol. The optimal time for material collection is between seven and nine in the morning. It is important to avoid physical exertion and emotional excitement 30 minutes before the procedure.
Such restrictions are connected with the fact that in a resting state part of the blood is in the depot and does not enter the circulation. During physical exertion, it leaves the depot and distorts the result. The number of leukocytes also increases after eating.
It is advisable for girls and women to inform the doctor whether there was menstruation on the day of the analysis. Menstrual bleeding can be so abundant that it causes a decrease in the number of erythrocytes. Also, during menstruation, the number of leukocytes increases.
Blood from a vein is the best material for research. Most laboratories use vacuum systems (vacuum tubes) for blood sampling. They already contain an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting. This allows you to keep the material in the best condition during transportation to the laboratory.
Blood from a finger (capillary) is less preferable. It is used when it is too difficult or impossible to work with a vein. For example, with weak and bad veins, severe obesity, in newborns.

How blood is tested in the laboratory

In the clinical laboratory, the sample is first analyzed on a hematological analyzer. The analyzer very accurately and quickly determines the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and other parameters. For example, the size of the erythrocyte, the amount of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte.
If the analyzer gave high or low values ​​for any parameter, a drop of blood is smeared on the glass and stained. The obtained smear is studied under a microscope by a doctor of clinical laboratory diagnostics. In commercial laboratories, the amount of research that was ordered at the time of payment is performed.
The doctor looks at the color and shape of erythrocytes, counts the number of neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. If required, both the analyzer and the doctor count the number of reticulocytes. The specialist sees the peculiarities of the cells, which are not always perceived by the analyzer. However, the machine counts the number of cells much faster and more accurately.