Articles
Leukocytosis
Tags: Leukocytosis
The white blood cell count reference range will vary depending on the age, gender and pregnancy status of the patient, as well as the laboratory performing the test. In general, the white blood cell count is considered elevated when it is above 11 x 109/L.
Isolated neutropenia
Tags: Neutropenia
The neutrophil reference range will vary depending on the age, gender and pregnancy status of the patient, as well as the laboratory performing the test. In general, neutropenia is considered mild with a neutrophil count < 1.5 x109/L; moderate if < 1 x 109/L; and marked if < 0.5 x 109/L.
FBC abnormalities in liver disease
Tags: FBC
Chronic liver disease is associated with a range of full blood count abnormalities. The mechanisms of these changes are multifactorial and can be related to portal hypertension with splenomegaly/ hypersplenism, marrow suppression from medication or alcohol use, reduced thrombopoietin production and chronic viral infections associated with liver disease (e.g. hepatitis C).
Erythrocytosis
Tags: Erythrocytosis , Polycythaemia
The haemoglobin, haematocrit and red blood cell count reference ranges will vary depending on the age, gender and pregnancy status of the patient, as well as the laboratory performing the test. In general, a haemoglobin > 165 g/L in males and >145 g/L in females; and a haematocrit > 0.5 in males and > 0.44 in females is considered elevated.
Easy Bruising
Tags: Bruising
Easy bruising is a very common reason for referral to a haematologist that rarely results in the diagnosis of a serious underlying bleeding disorder