Blood density test

Hematologist

Higher education:

Hematologist

Samara State Medical University (SamSMU, KMI)

Level of education - Specialist
1993-1999

Additional education:

"Hematology"

Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education

According to the composition, density of blood and its other indicators, one can determine the state of human health, the presence of various diseases and life-threatening processes, the location of lesions, etc. Diagnosis of almost any disease begins with a blood test.

One of the varieties of this diagnostic method is a blood density test. How is this type of laboratory research carried out, what is it called, is preparation necessary for it? Let's answer these questions in more detail.

A set of procedures for determining the density of blood

Many patients ask themselves: what is the name of the blood density test? As such, there is no special name for this type of study. It is possible to determine the density of blood only by carrying out a set of procedures.

Plasma density can be determined using the following laboratory tests:

• General biochemical blood test. It determines the level of platelets, erythrocytes in plasma, their sedimentation rate, etc.
• Hematocrit. This type of study allows you to determine the ratio of formed elements in the blood to its volume.
• Blood clotting test.
• APTT study.
• Coagulogram. This type of laboratory research provides complete information about the state of hemostasis.

Hemostasis is a special system in the body that is responsible for maintaining the liquid state of the blood under optimal conditions. In the event of any violations, this system stops the process of blood supply.

Only a complex can determine the state of the plasma and make a diagnosis. The list of laboratory tests listed above allows the specialist to get a complete picture of the patient's blood condition.

Deciphering the results

Deciphering the results is no less important step in the diagnostic procedure than conducting the laboratory tests themselves. Why? The correctness of the diagnosis and the effectiveness of further treatment will depend on how correctly the specialist deciphers the results of the tests.

Sometimes in medical practice there are cases when a specialist incorrectly deciphered the indicators. This led to misdiagnosis. Patients were treated for non-existent diseases. This led to the development of existing ailments and new complications.

How to correctly decipher the results of a blood test in order to correctly determine its density? For this, there are several main indicators. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

APTT

This abbreviation stands for activated partial thromboplastin time. This factor shows how long the process of plasma coagulation takes place.

As for the value of this indicator in women, in pregnant women the normal value of the indicators is significantly different. In women during the period of gestation, the plasma clotting time is significantly reduced. This is due to the high content in the body of a substance such as fibrinogen.

Fibrinogen is a special protein that is part of the substances formed during plasma clotting. With an increase in the duration of pregnancy, the percentage of this element in the body also increases. A high percentage of fibrinogen can indicate fetal death, tissue necrosis, and the development of inflammatory processes.

Lupus coagulant

These substances are antibodies. They are produced by the body's immune system to combat excess complex fats (such as phospholipids).

The optimal indicator for a healthy person is 0.8 - 1.1. During pregnancy, these antibodies should not be. If during the period of gestation a lupus coagulant is found in the body, this only indicates the development of serious diseases and ailments of the nervous system.

platelets

Platelets are among the main constituents of plasma. They are formed in the bone marrow. Their main functions are to restore damaged tissues and stop heavy bleeding.

In the normal state, these elements have a rounded shape. But in the presence of tissue damage, platelets grow rapidly to fill them.

Platelets "live" for a rather short time - from a week to 12 days. The norm of their content in the body is from 180 to 400 thousand per 1 microliter of plasma.

Prothrombin is a complex protein. It refers to the main indicators of the ability of blood to coagulate. With an underestimated content of this substance, there is a risk of losing a large amount of plasma.

The indicator of the content of prothrombin in the body is determined by the prothrombin index. In a healthy body, it ranges from 77 to 120 percent.

Antithrombin III

Antithrombin III refers to anticoagulants that can significantly inhibit the process of plasma coagulation. This prevents the formation of blood clots on the walls of blood vessels.

The norm of this substance, as for many others, is determined by the age of the person. For an adult, the optimal value varies between 75 and 180 percent.

Preparation for testing

Testing is often carried out at the direction of the attending physician. But sometimes people without obvious diseases want to check their health and go to private clinics to diagnose the body.

In any case, it is very important to properly prepare for the test. It is worth considering this procedure in more detail.

Why do you need to prepare for analysis?

Preparing for analyzes is a very important step on which their results depend. The patient is obliged to comply with a list of elementary rules. What is it for?

The body must be prepared for further diagnostics. Failure to comply with the rules leads to a distortion of the results of a blood test. Even the most experienced specialist will not be able to correctly decipher the results of the study.

In turn, incorrectly deciphered results lead to incorrect diagnosis. Treatment is prescribed, which may not only not bring any benefit in the fight against real ailments, but also lead to serious health consequences. In this case, the patient takes full responsibility for the outcome of diagnostic measures.

Basic rules for preparing for blood donation

There are a number of elementary rules before donating blood. The first and most basic rule is to visit a specialist on an empty stomach. Before taking the tests, it is better not to eat for more than 12 hours. You are allowed to drink clean water. It is also better to refuse other drinks.

A few days before visiting a specialist, exclude fried, spicy and highly salty foods from your diet.

You must stop smoking 2-3 hours before donating blood.

It is worth informing the doctor in advance about taking any medications. They can significantly affect the results of the study.

A few days before visiting a specialist, it is better to refuse to go to saunas, pools or baths.

Refrain from strong emotional, physical stress, overstrain. They can provoke the release of elements such as adrenaline and others into the blood.

Visiting specialists and taking tests should be carried out not only on the instructions of a doctor. Such procedures should be carried out 1-2 times a year in the absence of serious diseases. If you already have health problems, it is better to take tests at least once every 3-4 months.

Remember that your health is only in your hands. Regular diagnostics can detect serious diseases in the early stages of their development, which allows you to start effective treatment in a timely manner and quickly get rid of the existing disease.