Norm of leukocytes in the blood of children: Pexels A general blood test will help you understand whether everything is in order with the number of leukocytes in the blood in a child. Since they protect the body from infections, you should pay attention to this indicator. Experts explain that the number of leukocytes depends on the age of the child and can change under the influence of various factors.
Interpretation of indicator values
Based on the results of the UAC, the specialist checks the state of hemoglobin. It is assessed using three columns - hemoglobin, color index and the average hemoglobin content in one red blood cell.
The accuracy of the diagnosis and the correctness of treatment depend on the accuracy of the blood test results.
The following is also analyzed:
- hematocrit and an increased number of red blood cells (RBC) show whether the child is consuming enough fluid (we recommend reading: the child’s hematocrit is increased: what does this mean?);
- Neutrophils and eosinophils will help assess the baby’s immune reserve;
- the presence of inflammation is indicated by ESR;
- lymphocytes (LYM) and neutrophils indicate a viral or bacterial infection (we recommend reading: what to do if neutrophils in a child’s blood are low?).
READ ALSO: what does it mean if a child has elevated red blood cells?
Hemoglobin concentration (HGB)
Hemoglobin consists of protein and iron. Its main tasks are the binding of oxygen and its supply to the organs. The transport characteristics of blood, the functioning of the brain, lungs, heart, and the body as a whole directly depend on the saturation of hemoglobin. In the results, its concentration is designated Hb, HGB or hemoglobin.
A large amount of hemoglobin is characteristic of blood diseases, diabetes, various pathologies of the kidneys, heart, and lungs. When the level is low, the cause may be an unbalanced diet, congenital or acquired anemia, or leukemia.
Lymphocytes (LYM)
Lymphocytes belong to the leukocyte lineage and perform a protective function. Lymphocytes are most often designated by the abbreviations LY, LYM or LUM.
Depending on their purpose, they are divided into the following groups:
- B lymphocytes - responsible for immunity after the body collides with a virus or bacteria;
- T-lymphocytes are called killers - they are entrusted with the role of destroying any foreign cells;
- T-lymphocyte assistants are T-killers;
- Suppressor T cells are responsible for ensuring that healthy cells are not harmed;
- atypical ALY lymphocytes appear in children only when exposed to antigens.
LYM is calculated taking into account the total number of leukocytes, but absolute numbers are also found in the analysis results. In the latter case, the norm in children is considered to be 1-4 billion per liter. The absolute number of lymphocytes can be determined independently based on the results of a general blood test, using the formula: LC x LF% = LF, where LC is the number of leukocytes, and LF is lymphocytes as a percentage. If the required number according to the formula corresponds to the norm, there is no need to worry.
The normal level of lymphocytes in children is considered to be 30-70%. Moreover, the main part of them is found in tissues (tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, appendix), and only 2 percent in the blood. Decoding the CBC includes an assessment of the content of lymphocytes in the body. If the latter are more than expected, the condition is called lymphocytosis. Otherwise – leukopenia.
- Leukocytes in the blood: normal indicators in tables by age
Red blood cells (RBC)
Red blood cells (RBCs) help oxygenate the organs and tissues of the body, while they transfer the carbon dioxide released back to the lungs. Anisocytosis, or a decrease in red blood cells not due to a pathological condition, can be caused by excessive fluid intake.
An increased amount of rbc is extremely rare and is called erythremia or erythrocytosis. The reasons for such a deviation may be due to:
- presence of blood disease;
- physical activity;
- lung or heart problems;
- accommodation in mountainous areas;
- poisoning;
- dehydration.
White blood cells (WBC)
Leukocytes (WBC) are white blood cells that protect the body's immune forces, creating humoral and cellular immunity. An elevated reading during pregnancy or intense exercise is not considered a deviation. If these factors are excluded, the cause is an allergy, viral or bacterial infection. A low WBC count indicates weak immunity.
The ratio of all types of leukocytes as a percentage is displayed in the leukocyte formula. The MID data indicated in it makes the analysis more informative and allows you to immediately determine which leukocytes are outside the normal range.
READ ALSO: What is the norm of leukocytes in the blood of a 1-year-old child?
Causes of increased wbc: injury, burn, liver disease, anaphylactic shock, malignant neoplasm, internal bleeding or renal colic. The impetus for a decrease in white blood cells is a viral disease, intoxication of the body, or an endocrine disorder.
Platelets (PLT)
Platelets are blood cells responsible for blood clotting. More precisely, they are entrusted with two tasks - creating a platelet aggregate when the walls of vascular beds are damaged and accelerating plasma coagulation.
The growth of platelets is called thrombocytosis - it is characteristic of an inflammatory or infectious process in the body, trauma and significant blood loss, hematological pathologies, leukemia, as well as the use of corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, and antimycotics. Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet levels, may be due to an allergic reaction, hemophilia, a virus, or a malignant tumor.
READ IN DETAIL: What do low platelets in a child’s blood mean?
- What foods can increase white blood cells in the blood - List of the 10 most effective
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is an important non-specific indicator. Essentially, ESR means how quickly red blood cells settle and stick together in a test tube. With its help, the degree of the inflammatory process is determined. An increase in ESR is a slow process, and the same thing happens with a return to normal.
ESR higher than normal occurs in diseases of an infectious nature, kidney pathologies, rheumatism and malignant neoplasms.
Neutrophils (NEUT)
Cells that resist any foreign formations are called neutrophils. They not only help the body cope with the disease, but also eliminate its own non-living microparticles.
Neutrophilia, when the number of cells is increased, can be of both physiological and pathological nature. In the first case, the trigger is stress or poor nutrition, and in the second, a number of diseases: burns, blood cancer, inflammation, blood loss, insect bites, removal of the spleen.
If the level of neutrophils is low, the condition is called neutropenia. It appears due to one of the reasons:
- flu;
- taking cytostatics and antibiotics;
- radiation;
- HIV;
- lack of vitamins;
- bone marrow depletion;
- toxoplasmosis;
- lupus;
- measles
Eosinophils (EOS)
The subtype of white blood cells responsible for detecting and eliminating foreign protein is called eosinophils. They help cleanse the body of toxins, parasites and actively fight cancer. Using the eosinophil count, the doctor determines whether the patient has an allergy. When the number of cells exceeds the norm, one of the following pathologies may be to blame:
- oncology;
- helminthic infestations;
- diseases of the hematopoietic system;
- allergy.
An insufficient number of eosinophils indicates an inflammatory process. In addition, childbirth or infection of the body are provocateurs.
Monocytes (MON)
Monocytes are large immune cells that are another type of white blood cell. They recognize and cleanse tissues of viruses, bacteria, damaged cells, including tumor cells.
READ IN DETAIL: why can monocytes in a child’s blood be increased? An increased number of cells (monocytosis) is a common occurrence after an infectious disease (syphilis, brucellosis, tuberculosis) or other pathology (arthritis, sarcoidosis, leukemia).
- Leukocyte blood count: interpretation of test results in children, norm in the table
Monocytopenia can also occur due to blood cancer. Other reasons for its appearance: postoperative condition, taking hormonal drugs, osteomyelitis, phlegmon and abscess.
Basophils (BAS)
Basophils are a type of leukocyte that is the first to detect anything foreign in the body. They, one might say, “engage in battle” with toxic substances and allergens, resist inflammation and restore blood flow.
If the basophil count has increased, this may be due to a problem with the thyroid gland and lymphatic system, allergies, smallpox, or taking hormonal drugs. The decrease in basophils is affected by stress, pregnancy and increased levels of hormones.
How to treat leukocytosis?
Treatment can be prescribed only after the exact cause of this phenomenon has been established, for example, physiological leukocytosis is considered to be the norm. As soon as the causative agent of the infection is detected, the following drugs may be prescribed to the small patient:
- Antiviral agents that effectively fight viruses.
- In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed, but they are taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
- Chemotherapy drugs that are aimed at maintaining the immune system.
Sometimes, when leukocytosis is detected in children and the blood has a viscous consistency, leukapheresis is prescribed, during which the blood is purified.
Platelets
Platelets are also red blood cells. They look like small plates. Their main purpose is normal blood clotting.
Platelets in test results indicate:
- tr.;
- PLT;
- platelets.
Table No. 6: platelet norms in children
There are:
- Thrombocytopenia - when platelets in the blood are less than normal;
- Thrombocytosis - if more than normal.
Let's decipher the results:
- Clinical blood analysis: from light microscope to hematological analyzers
In modern laboratories, platelet indices are also determined.
Serological blood test
A laboratory blood test that involves the interaction of antibodies and antigens. It is carried out to identify infectious diseases and the stage of the infectious process.
Due date and how to prepare
A hormonal blood test is taken in the morning on an empty stomach from a vein.
Serological blood test methods
- To confirm the diagnosis, an antigen corresponding to the suspected disease is added to the blood serum, and if there is a reaction, then there are antibodies to the disease and the patient is sick.
- To determine the type of infection, antibodies of the expected type are added to the serum, and if there is a reaction, then there is an infection in the blood that corresponds to the added antibodies.
What is the result of a serological blood test?
The analysis provides an answer to whether there is a suspected infection in the human body.
When to take it
- when prescribed by a doctor;
- if you suspect a certain infection;
- to prescribe the correct treatment.
What is the leukocyte formula and what indicators are studied in it?
Leukocytes are white blood cells that participate in the process of protecting the body from pathogenic factors and microorganisms. There are several types of leukocytes. The number of blood cells changes as a person grows older and as their health changes. The leukocyte formula (leukogram) is the ratio of various white blood particles to their total number in percentage terms.
Types of leukocytes:
| Group | Species, subspecies | Description and functions | ||
| Granulocytes | Neutrophils | Segmented | Kills viruses and bacteria | They form the basis of the body's defense. |
| Rod | Formed if segmented cells cannot cope with a bacterial infection. | |||
| Myelocytes | Appear only in cases of severe illness. | |||
| Eosinophils | They protect against parasites, respond to allergies, oncology, and autoimmune problems. | |||
| Basophils | Prevents the spread of bacteria and toxins. | |||
| Agranulocytes | Lymphocytes | Participate in the production of antibodies and are responsible for the formation of immunity. | ||
| Monocytes | They destroy harmful elements and cleanse the blood of dying cells. |
READ ALSO: Why are monocytes and eosinophils in a child’s blood elevated?
Laboratory blood test to determine the concentration of leukocytes
A change in one of the indicators (types of white cells) of the leukocyte formula indicates the activation of pathological processes or disruption of the body systems. In this case, it is possible to increase the number of one type of leukocyte and decrease the content of another. Only a comprehensive analysis of the elements shows a reliable picture of a person’s health status.
Modern methods of treatment
Treatment is necessary in situations where leukocytes in the urine are a sign of pathology.
Most often it is a urinary tract infection caused by bacteria. In this case, antibiotics, plenty of fluid intake, uroseptics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and diet are indicated. If certain developmental defects are detected, operations may be performed to restore the integrity of the urinary tract.
If leukocytes appear against the background of salts or crystals in the urine (nephropathy), a diet and correction of the pH (acidity) of urine through medications and fluid intake are indicated.
