The formula tells a story
Neutrophilia with a shift to the left is a bacterial infection (an argument for an antibiotic), lymphocytosis is viral (an antibiotic is not needed), eosinophilia is an allergy or helminths, persistent monocytosis is a protracted process. The analyzer marks the atypical cells, and the smear is reviewed by the doctor. Paired with ESR/CRP, the formula is the main “sorter” of the causes of temperature.
When is it appointed?
- prevention and medical examination - basic health assessment;
- inflammation, infections, temperature - leukocytes and ESR;
- weakness, pallor - exclusion of anemia;
- preparation for operations and procedures;
- control of treatment over time.
Basic trio of blood
General clinical tests answer the doctor’s first questions: is there anemia (hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit), inflammation (white blood cells with formula, ESR), risk of bleeding (platelets, clotting time). The automatic analyzer counts dozens of parameters from one test tube; deviations are rechecked by smear microscopy by a laboratory technician. Same day results allow you to start treatment without delay.
