Hormones 2016

Full Blood Count - FBC
Lymphocytes
- White blood cell (leucocyte) containing no granules that normally makes
up about 25% of the total white blood cell count but increases in the presence
of infection. Lymphocytes occur in two forms: B cells, the chief agents of the
humoral immune system, which recognize specific antigens and produce
antibodies against them; and T cells, the agents of the cell-mediated immune
system, which secrete immunologically active compounds and assist B cells
in their function.
Monocyte
- Leucocyte (white blood cell) which ingests bacteria and other foreign
particles. Monocytes are usually larger then other peripheral blood
leucocytes, have a large central oval or indented nucleus and make up 5–
10% of the total white blood cell count.
Red blood cell (RBC) count
A high RBC count may indicate congenital heart disease, dehydration,
obstructive lung disease, or bone marrow over-production. A low RBC
count may indicate anaemia, bleeding, kidney disease, bone marrow failure
(for instance, from radiation or a tumour), malnutrition, or other causes.
A low count may also indicate nutritional deficiencies of iron, folate and
vitamin B12 (labtestsonline, 2016e).
Haemoglobin
Normal values in an adult are approximately 120 to 180 grams per litre (12
to 18 g/dL) of blood but are influenced by the age, sex and ethnic origin in
the person.
High haemoglobin
Above-normal haemoglobin levels may be the result of -
• dehydration,
• excess production of red blood cells in the bone marrow,
• severe lung disease, or
• several other conditions.
Low haemoglobin
Below-normal haemoglobin levels may be the result of -
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