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Bone Infections

Table of Contents

Bone Infections

Osteomyelitis

Like other parts of the body, bones can get infected. Osteomyelitis is the medical term for an infection in a bone. Bone infections are usually bacterial, but can also be fungal. Some symptoms include pain in the infected area, chills and fever, and swelling. Learn who's at risk for osteomyelitis and how these bone infections are diagnosed and treated.

3D Medical Animation still shot of Osteomyelitis bone

Image by Scientific Animations, Inc.

Bone Infections

Osteomyelitis

Image by James Heilman, MD

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis of the 1st toe

Image by James Heilman, MD

Bone Infections

Like other parts of the body, bones can get infected. The infections are usually bacterial, but can also be fungal. They may spread to the bone from nearby skin or muscles, or from another part of the body through the bloodstream. People who are at risk for bone infections include those with diabetes, poor circulation, or recent injury to the bone. You may also be at risk if you are having hemodialysis.

Symptoms of bone infections include

Pain in the infected area
Chills and fever
Swelling, warmth, and redness

A blood test or imaging test such as an x-ray can tell if you have a bone infection. Treatment includes antibiotics and often surgery.

Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Additional Materials (6)

Osteomyelitis - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Video by Illinois Bone & Joint Institute/YouTube

Osteomyelitis

Video by ORTHOfilms/YouTube

Bone Fracture - Types, Fracture Repair and Osteomyelitis

Video by Armando Hasudungan/YouTube

Osteomyelitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Video by Osmosis/YouTube

Healthcare-Associated Infections in the United States

Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

3D Medical Animation still shot of Osteomyelitis bone

3D Medical Animation still shot of Osteomyelitis bone infected from Staphylococcus Aureus

Image by Scientific Animations, Inc.

2:15

Osteomyelitis - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Illinois Bone & Joint Institute/YouTube

3:33

Osteomyelitis

ORTHOfilms/YouTube

7:54

Bone Fracture - Types, Fracture Repair and Osteomyelitis

Armando Hasudungan/YouTube

9:31

Osteomyelitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Osmosis/YouTube

1:35

Healthcare-Associated Infections in the United States

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

3D Medical Animation still shot of Osteomyelitis bone

Scientific Animations, Inc.

What Is Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis

Image by Unknown

Osteomyelitis

Picture 1, Torticollis. Picture 2, Osteomyelitis.

Image by Unknown

What Is Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is the medical term for an infection in a bone. Signs and symptoms vary but may include bone pain, fever, chills, excessive sweating, malaise, or an open wound. People with the condition may also experience local swelling, redness, and warmth at the site of the infection. Although any bone in the body can be affected, the long bones of the arms and legs are most commonly infected in children, while the feet, spine bones, and hips are primarily affected in adults. Osteomyelitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, although it can also be caused by a fungal infection. Risk factors for the condition include diabetes, poor blood supply, recent injury, intravenous drug abuse, surgery involving the bones, and a weakened immune system. The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and reduce damage to the bone and surrounding tissues. This may include medications to treat the infection and surgery to drain, clean and/or remove dead bone tissue.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (4)

Osteomyelitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Video by Osmosis/YouTube

Osteomyelitis

Femur. Osteomyelitis. From ancient cemetery, Chicama Valley, Peru ; Femur. Osteomyelitis. From ancient cemetery, Chicama Valley, Peru. (Bones. Indigenous peoples. Gross specimen)

Image by Otis Historical Archives Nat'l Museum of Health & Medicine USA

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis of the tibia of a young child showing numerous abscesses in the bone as radiolucency.

Image by sarindam7 (talk)

Osteomyelitis

Extensive osteomyelitis of the forefoot

Image by James Heilman, MD

9:31

Osteomyelitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Osmosis/YouTube

Osteomyelitis

Otis Historical Archives Nat'l Museum of Health & Medicine USA

Osteomyelitis

sarindam7 (talk)

Osteomyelitis

James Heilman, MD

Symptoms

Osteomyelitis

Image by James Heilman, MD

Osteomyelitis

Extensive osteomyelitis of the forefoot

Image by James Heilman, MD

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Osteomyelitis?

Bone pain
Fever and chills
Excessive sweating
Malaise
Open wound
Local swelling, redness, and warmth
Irritability or lethargy (especially in young children)

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (3)

Osteomyelitis - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Video by Illinois Bone & Joint Institute/YouTube

Osteomyelitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Video by Osmosis/YouTube

Osteomyelitis

Diseased bones; syphilis, spondylitis, osteomyelitis, 1897 Description : Chromolithograph illustrating sections through diseased bones affected by osteochondritis caused by syphilis, spondylitis and osteomyelitis. The captions read: osteochondritis syphilitica (top four); spondylitis acuta purulenta dorsalis (bottom left); osteomyelitis inveterata femoris (bottom right).

Image by Wellcome Images / Wellcome Trust

2:15

Osteomyelitis - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Illinois Bone & Joint Institute/YouTube

9:31

Osteomyelitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Osmosis/YouTube

Osteomyelitis

Wellcome Images / Wellcome Trust

Causes

Staphylococcus aureus in the porous coating of a femoral hip stem

Image by NIGMS/Niraj Gupta, The Ohio State University; Khushi Patel, The Ohio State University; Alex Horswill, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Kelly Moore, The Ohio State University; and Paul Stoodley, The Ohio State University.

Staphylococcus aureus in the porous coating of a femoral hip stem

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (blue) on the porous coating of a femoral hip stem used in hip replacement surgery. The relatively rough surface of an implant is a favorable environment for bacteria to attach and grow. This can lead to the development of biofilms, which can cause infections. The researchers who took this image are working to understand where biofilms are likely to develop. This knowledge could support the prevention and treatment of infections. A scanning electron microscope was used to capture this image. More information on the research that produced this image can be found in the Antibiotics paper "Free-floating aggregate and single-cell-initiated biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus" by Gupta et al. Related to image 6803 and video 6805.

Image by NIGMS/Niraj Gupta, The Ohio State University; Khushi Patel, The Ohio State University; Alex Horswill, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Kelly Moore, The Ohio State University; and Paul Stoodley, The Ohio State University.

What Causes Osteomyelitis?

Risk factors for the condition include diabetes, poor blood supply, recent injury, intravenous drug abuse, surgery involving the bones, and a weakened immune system.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (4)

Osteomyelitis, Gout - Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) - Musculoskeletal System - @Level Up RN

Video by Level Up RN/YouTube

Bone Fracture - Types, Fracture Repair and Osteomyelitis

Video by Armando Hasudungan/YouTube

Staphylococcus aureus & Exposure Risks

Video by Paul Cochrane/YouTube

Staphylococcus aureus

Video by Osmosis/YouTube

6:10

Osteomyelitis, Gout - Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) - Musculoskeletal System - @Level Up RN

Level Up RN/YouTube

7:54

Bone Fracture - Types, Fracture Repair and Osteomyelitis

Armando Hasudungan/YouTube

3:33

Staphylococcus aureus & Exposure Risks

Paul Cochrane/YouTube

14:46

Staphylococcus aureus

Osmosis/YouTube

Inheritance

Genetics and Inheritance

Image by TheVisualMD

Genetics and Inheritance

Infant and his chromosomes

Image by TheVisualMD

Is Osteomyelitis Inherited?

Osteomyelitis is not inherited. It is an infectious disease caused by bacteria or fungi.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (1)

Healthcare-Associated Infections in the United States

Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

1:35

Healthcare-Associated Infections in the United States

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

Diagnosis

Otitis Media Mastoiditis

Image by Jmarchn

Otitis Media Mastoiditis

Otitis media (simple arrow) and mastoiditis (double arrow) of the right side (left side in image). The external auditory canal is partially occupied by suppuration (triple arrow). 44-year-old woman.

Image by Jmarchn

How Is Osteomyelitis Diagnosed?

Blood cultures
Bone biopsy (which is then cultured)
Bone scan
Bone x-ray
Complete blood count (CBC)
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
MRI of the bone
Needle aspiration of the area around affected bones

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (2)

Osteomyelitis

Video by ORTHOfilms/YouTube

Having a bone scan | Cancer Research UK

Video by Cancer Research UK/YouTube

3:33

Osteomyelitis

ORTHOfilms/YouTube

1:35

Having a bone scan | Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK/YouTube

Bacteria Culture

Bacteria Culture

Also called: Bacterial culture

Bacteria culture tests are used to diagnose bacterial infections. Bacterial cultures are typically collected from infected (or potentially infected) tissue, but can also be taken from blood, urine, skin, or other part of your body.

Bacteria Culture

Also called: Bacterial culture

Bacteria culture tests are used to diagnose bacterial infections. Bacterial cultures are typically collected from infected (or potentially infected) tissue, but can also be taken from blood, urine, skin, or other part of your body.

Bacteria are a large group of one-celled organisms. They can live on different places in the body. Some types of bacteria are harmless or even beneficial. Others can cause infections and disease. A bacteria culture test can help find harmful bacteria in your body. During a bacteria culture test, a sample will be taken from your blood, urine, skin, or other part of your body. The type of sample depends on the location of the suspected infection. The cells in your sample will be taken to a lab and put in a special environment in a lab to encourage cell growth. Results are often available within a few days. But some types of bacteria grow slowly, and it may take several days or longer.
Bacteria culture tests are used to help diagnose certain types of infections. The most common types of bacteria tests and their uses are listed below.
Throat Culture
- Used to diagnose or rule out strep throat
- Test procedure:
  Your health care provider will insert a special swab into your mouth to take a sample from the back of the throat and tonsils.
Urine Culture
- Used to diagnose a urinary tract infection and identify the bacteria causing the infection
- Test procedure:
  You will provide a sterile sample of urine in a cup, as instructed by your health care provider.
Sputum Culture
Sputum is a thick mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. It is different from spit or saliva.
- Used to help diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract. These include bacterial pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Test procedure:
  You may be asked to cough up sputum into a special cup as instructed by your provider; or a special swab may be used to take a sample from your nose.
Blood Culture
- Used to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the blood
- Test procedure:
  A health care professional will need a blood sample. The sample is most often taken from a vein in your arm.
Stool Culture
Another name for stool is feces.
- Used to detect infections caused by bacteria or parasites in the digestive system. These include food poisoning and other digestive illnesses.
- Test procedure:
  You will provide a sample of your feces in a clean container as instructed by your health care provider.
Wound Culture
- Used to detect infections on open wounds or on burn injuries
- Test procedure:
  Your health care provider will use a special swab to collect a sample from the site of your wound.
1. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/bacteria-culture-test/ [accessed on Mar 19, 2019]

Additional Materials (3)

Why Physicians Order Blood Cultures

Video by Center for Phlebotomy Education/YouTube

Throat Culture

Image by BruceBlaus

AFB Smear and Culture

Tuberculosis is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or M. tuberculosis. The disease is detected by the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB), which are a tube-shaped bacteria. AFB can be counted under a microscopic when smeared on a slide and treated with an \"acid-fast\" process wherein a fluorescent dye stains the cell walls of the bacteria. Though other bacteria types can be detected the same way, most fall under the genus of Mycobacterium and are tested for when tuberculosis is suspected.

Image by TheVisualMD

4:12

Why Physicians Order Blood Cultures

Center for Phlebotomy Education/YouTube

Throat Culture

BruceBlaus

AFB Smear and Culture

TheVisualMD

Bone Scan

Bone Scan

Also called: Bone Scintigraphy, Skeletal Scintigraphy, Nuclear Bone Scan

A bone scan is a safe, effective, and painless way to make images of your bones using a compound containing a small amount of radioactivity injected into the bloodstream. The test helps find out if there is a tumor, infection, or other abnormality in your bone.

Bone Scan

Also called: Bone Scintigraphy, Skeletal Scintigraphy, Nuclear Bone Scan

A bone scan is a safe, effective, and painless way to make images of your bones using a compound containing a small amount of radioactivity injected into the bloodstream. The test helps find out if there is a tumor, infection, or other abnormality in your bone.

{"label":"Bone scan reference range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"In a normal bone scan, the radioactive tracer is evenly spread among the bones. No areas of too much or too little tracer are seen, or areas of \"cold\" or \"hot\" spots.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"An abnormal bone scan reveals areas of \"cold\" or \"hot\" spots. Areas that absorb little or no amount of tracer appear as dark or \"cold\" spots \u2014 this could mean lack of blood supply to the bone or certain types of cancer. Areas of fast bone growth or repair absorb more tracer and show up as bright or \"hot\" spots in the pictures \u2014 this may point to problems such as arthritis, a tumor, a fracture, or an infection.","conditions":["Bone fractures","Bone infections","Bone tumors","Arthritis","Paget disease of bone","Avascular necrosis"]}],"value":0.5}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
Your result is Normal.
In a normal bone scan, the radioactive tracer is evenly spread among the bones. No areas of too much or too little tracer are seen, or areas of "cold" or "hot" spots.
Related conditions
1. https://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/procdiag/bonescan.pdf [accessed on Mar 21, 2019]
2. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bone-scan [accessed on Mar 21, 2019]
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/orthopaedic/bone_scan_92,p07663 [accessed on Apr 01, 2019]
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-scan/about/pac-20393136 [accessed on Apr 01, 2019]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (18)

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis in both feet as seen on bone scan

Image by James Heilman, MD

Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment

Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment is for people who have completed cancer treatment. Family and friends may also want to read this booklet.

Document by National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Treatment Planning

A cancer's stage (how far it has progressed) is a very important factor in deciding on treatment and estimating the patient's prognosis. After biopsy confirms the presence of cancer in the prostate, the cancer is staged, meaning that more tests are done to find out how far the cancer has spread in the prostate and if it has spread outside the gland to adjacent tissues or to other sites in the body.

Image by TheVisualMD

Preventing Bone Complications From Bone Metastases

Video by For Your Life/YouTube

Impact of Bone Metastases on the Skeleton

Video by Amgen/YouTube

The Biology of Metastatic Bone Disease

Video by Amgen/YouTube

Having a bone scan | Cancer Research UK

Video by Cancer Research UK/YouTube

Introduction to Bone Biology

Video by Amgen/YouTube

bone-scan.swf

Video by Dr Amir Monir/YouTube

Bone Cancer

Video by Focus Medica/YouTube

Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction in Patient with Bone Cancer

Video by Hospital for Special Surgery/YouTube

Q&A: What is Ewing sarcoma? | Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers

Video by Texas Children’s Hospital/YouTube

Ewing's Sarcoma - Mayo Clinic

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Ewing's Sarcoma, What Is It?

Video by EmpowHER/YouTube

Osteosarcoma - Mayo Clinic

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

Treatment for Osterosarcoma at Boston Children's Hospital

Video by Boston Children's Hospital/YouTube

Chondrosarcoma, What Is This?

Video by EmpowHER/YouTube

Is Your Baby a Boy or a Girl? (Pregnancy Health Guru)

Video by Healthguru/YouTube

Osteomyelitis

James Heilman, MD

Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Treatment Planning

TheVisualMD

4:17

Preventing Bone Complications From Bone Metastases

For Your Life/YouTube

2:21

Impact of Bone Metastases on the Skeleton

Amgen/YouTube

3:19

The Biology of Metastatic Bone Disease

Amgen/YouTube

1:35

Having a bone scan | Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK/YouTube

2:44

Introduction to Bone Biology

Amgen/YouTube

1:13

bone-scan.swf

Dr Amir Monir/YouTube

0:20

Bone Cancer

Focus Medica/YouTube

2:21

Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction in Patient with Bone Cancer

Hospital for Special Surgery/YouTube

5:41

Q&A: What is Ewing sarcoma? | Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers

Texas Children’s Hospital/YouTube

9:01

Ewing's Sarcoma - Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

1:52

Ewing's Sarcoma, What Is It?

EmpowHER/YouTube

9:11

Osteosarcoma - Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

28:11

Treatment for Osterosarcoma at Boston Children's Hospital

Boston Children's Hospital/YouTube

1:13

Chondrosarcoma, What Is This?

EmpowHER/YouTube

1:29

Is Your Baby a Boy or a Girl? (Pregnancy Health Guru)

Healthguru/YouTube

Complete Blood Count

Complete Blood Count

Also called: CBC, Full Blood Count, Blood Cell Count, Hemotology Panel

A complete blood count (CBC) is often part of a routine exam. It is used to measure different parts and features of your blood. A CBC can help detect a variety of disorders including infections, anemia, diseases of the immune system, and blood cancers.

Complete Blood Count

Also called: CBC, Full Blood Count, Blood Cell Count, Hemotology Panel

A complete blood count (CBC) is often part of a routine exam. It is used to measure different parts and features of your blood. A CBC can help detect a variety of disorders including infections, anemia, diseases of the immune system, and blood cancers.

A complete blood count, or CBC, is a blood test that measures many different parts and features of your blood, including:
- Red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
- White blood cells, which fight infections and other diseases. There are five major types of white blood cells. A CBC test measures the total number of white cells in your blood. A different test called a CBC with differential measures the number of each type of these white blood cells.
- Platelets, which stop bleeding by helping your blood to clot.
- Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
- Hematocrit, a measurement of how much of your blood is made up of red blood cells.
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), a measure of the average size of your red blood cells.
Other names for a complete blood count: CBC, full blood count, blood cell count
Your health care provider may have ordered a complete blood count as part of your checkup or to monitor your overall health. The test may also be used to:
- Help diagnose blood diseases, infection, immune system disorders, or other medical conditions
- Check for changes in an existing blood disorder
A CBC counts the cells in your blood. There are many reasons your levels may not be in the normal range. For example:
- Abnormal levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, or hematocrit may be a sign of anemia, heart disease, or too little iron in your body.
- Low white cell count may be a sign of an autoimmune disorder, bone marrow disorder, or cancer.
- High white cell count may be a sign of an infection or a reaction to medicine.
If any of your levels are abnormal, it doesn't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Diet, activity level, medicines, a menstrual period, not drinking enough water, and other factors can affect the results. Talk with your provider to learn what your results mean.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
2. Blood Tests - Blood Tests | NHLBI, NIH. Mar 24, 2022 [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]

Additional Materials (25)

Reticulocyte Count, Hemorrhage/Chronic Blood Loss

Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells (RBCs) released into the bloodstream from the bone marrow in which they developed. Normally, only a tiny percentage red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream are reticulocytes. The reticulocyte count rises, however, when bone marrow is called upon to produce more RBCs, in conditions such as heavy bleeding or certain types of anemia.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood sample

During the blood collection process, medical personnel gather additional blood samples to test for an array of blood disorders and communicable diseases. Every unit of blood is rigorously tested before approved for transfusion into a patient.

Image by United States Marine Corps

Phlebotomy

Venipuncture (blood draw / collection) in the left arm of a male.

Image by MatthewLammers

Blood and Related Conditions

Blood and Related Conditions : Anemia results when there are too few red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream to deliver adequate oxygen to body tissues. There are different types and causes of anemia, including malnutrition, chronic bleeding, and diseases that result in red blood cells either being destroyed too quickly or produced too slowly.

Image by TheVisualMD

Components of Blood

Components of Blood : Our blood is composed of many different components, the largest categories being red and white blood cells (blood-clotting platelets are another key component) and the liquid portion known as blood plasma. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) includes several of the most basic, yet important, measurements of these components.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood fractionation

Vial of separated blood. The middle layer is a type of sterile goo which separates the blood from the rest of what's drawn.

Image by Wheeler Cowperthwaite from Reno, USA

Whole Blood

A Red Cross whole blood donation before any separation

Image by Whoisjohngalt

White Blood Cells Rotation

This rotational interactive features five white blood cells. At the top left is a neutrophil (purple nucleus); center is a Monocyte-macrophage (orange nucleus); top right is a Lymphocyte (red nucleus); bottom left a Basophil (green nucleus); and bottom right an Eosinophil (yellow nucleus). These molecules are all part of a white blood cell count test. A white blood cell count is an important measure of this key component of the immune system; when the body is under attack, more WBCs are produced. White blood cells (also called leukocytes or WBCs) are in the front lines in the fight against harmful viruses, bacteria and even fungus. A white blood cell count is an important measure of this key component of the immune system; when the body is under attack, more WBCs are produced. Other factors, however, may also affect WBC counts, including allergies, chemotherapy, and other drugs, as well as leukemia.

Image by TheVisualMD

Medical Checkups

Image by TheVisualMD

Medical Checkups

Most doctors believe that people should have regular checkups as a part of preventive treatment. Regular health exams can help find problems before they begin, or in their early stages, when the chances of successful treatment are best. Blood Pressure Reading: Photo Copyright 2005, James Gathany

Image by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

Video Topics : Our lifeblood consists of many components and a complete blood count (CBC) includes measurements of the fundamental elements. The largest categories are red and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) and cell fragments called platelets, which play roles in blood clotting. There are 20-30 trillion red blood cells in the body of an adult, each with a lifespan of about 100 days (RBCs contain an iron-containing protein called hemoglobin that enables them to carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body and then return carbon dioxide to the lungs). WBCs are in the front lines in the body's ongoing fight against harmful viruses, bacteria and even fungus; when a pathogen enters the body, WBCs mobilize in a coordinated defense response to eliminate, neutralize or mark the invader for destruction. The liquid portion of blood is called plasma and it carries nutrients, electrolytes, waste products, and hormones.

Video by TheVisualMD

Full Blood Count – what it tells your doctor about your health

Video by Pathology Tests Explained/YouTube

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Video by Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

Complete Blood Count

Video by Tom Wade MD/YouTube

high white blood cell count Video

Video by itbestshop/YouTube

Complete Blood Count pt1

Video by Med Immersion/YouTube

Complete Blood Count pt2

Video by Med Immersion/YouTube

This browser does not support the video element.

Normal Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

An animation simulating a view of a healthy count of red blood cells as viewed in a slide projector or under a microscope. Initially, the screen in white with a circular black vignette along its borders. Then a still showing red blood cells slides up from the bottom left filling the screen and then comes into focus. The red blood cells resemble those taken from an scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and fill up the given space on the screen.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Anemic Blood Flow

Camera is stationary as it focuses on a capillary in a cell bed demonstrating anemic blood flow and it's lower red blood cell count.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Anemic Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

An animation simulating a view of an unhealthy count of red blood cells as viewed in a slide projector or under a microscope. Initially, the screen in white with a circular black vignette along its borders. Then a still showing red blood cells on a light red background slides up from the bottom left filling the screen and then comes into focus. The red blood cells resemble those taken from an scanning electron micrograph (SEM). There are only a few red blood cells in this slide indicative of the low amount typical of some one who is anemic.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Anemic Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

An animation simulating a close-up of an unhealthy count of red blood cells as viewed in a slide projector or under a microscope. Initially, the screen in white with a circular black vignette along its borders. Then a still showing red blood cells on a light red background slides up from the bottom left filling the screen and then comes into focus. Throughout the animation, the slide jitters a little. The red blood cells resemble those taken from an scanning electron micrograph (SEM). In this close up there are a few red blood cells along with a few white blood cells.

Video by TheVisualMD

Why Blood Tests Can Save Your Life

Video by Seeker+/YouTube

Introduction to lab values and normal ranges | Health & Medicine | Khan Academy

Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube

Low blood counts and the risk of infection in cancer patients | Norton Cancer Institute

Video by Norton Healthcare/YouTube

Dr. Erba Describes Proper Diagnostic Testing of CML

Video by OncLiveTV/YouTube

Reticulocyte Count, Hemorrhage/Chronic Blood Loss

TheVisualMD

Blood sample

United States Marine Corps

Phlebotomy

MatthewLammers

Blood and Related Conditions

TheVisualMD

Components of Blood

TheVisualMD

Blood fractionation

Wheeler Cowperthwaite from Reno, USA

Whole Blood

Whoisjohngalt

White Blood Cells Rotation

TheVisualMD

Medical Checkups

TheVisualMD

Medical Checkups

TheVisualMD

2:12

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

TheVisualMD

4:18

Full Blood Count – what it tells your doctor about your health

Pathology Tests Explained/YouTube

7:04

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

4:11

Complete Blood Count

Tom Wade MD/YouTube

8:22

high white blood cell count Video

itbestshop/YouTube

16:12

Complete Blood Count pt1

Med Immersion/YouTube

22:14

Complete Blood Count pt2

Med Immersion/YouTube

0:06

Normal Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

TheVisualMD

0:07

Anemic Blood Flow

TheVisualMD

0:14

Anemic Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

TheVisualMD

0:14

Anemic Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

TheVisualMD

8:29

Why Blood Tests Can Save Your Life

Seeker+/YouTube

10:42

Introduction to lab values and normal ranges | Health & Medicine | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

1:32

Low blood counts and the risk of infection in cancer patients | Norton Cancer Institute

Norton Healthcare/YouTube

2:39

Dr. Erba Describes Proper Diagnostic Testing of CML

OncLiveTV/YouTube

Red Blood Cells

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

Also called: Erythrocyte Count, RBC Count, Red Blood Count, Red Blood Cell Count, Red Count

A red blood cell (RBC) count is a blood test that measures the number of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. An abnormal RBC count can be a sign of a serious health problem.

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

Also called: Erythrocyte Count, RBC Count, Red Blood Count, Red Blood Cell Count, Red Count

A red blood cell (RBC) count is a blood test that measures the number of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. An abnormal RBC count can be a sign of a serious health problem.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
(10<sup>6</sup>)/μL
3.9
5.5
Your result is Normal.
Red blood cells (RBC) are made in the bone marrow and contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to the tissues in the body. RBCs make up approximately 44% of the total blood volume.
Related conditions
You may get this test as part of a complete blood count, which is often included in a routine checkup. You may also need this test if you have symptoms of a low or high red blood cell count.
Symptoms of a low red blood cell count include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Rapid heartbeat
Symptoms of a high red blood cell count include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
Your results will show whether you have a normal red blood cell count or a count that is too low or too high.
A low red blood cell count can be a sign of:
- Anemia
- Leukemia, a type of blood cancer
- Malnutrition, a condition in which your body does not get the calories, vitamins, and/or minerals needed for good health
- Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow
- Kidney failure
It may also be a sign of pregnancy.
A high red blood cell count can be a sign of:
- Dehydration
- Heart disease
- Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made
- Scarring of the lungs, often due to cigarette smoking
- Lung disease
- Kidney cancer
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
If results showed you had a low or a high red blood cell count, you may need more tests to help make a diagnosis. These include:
- Reticulocyte count, a test that counts the number of reticulocytes in the blood. Reticulocytes are red blood cells that are still developing. These are also known as immature red blood cells.
- Iron tests, which measure iron levels in the blood. Iron is essential for making red blood cells.
- Vitamin B test, which measures the amount of one or more B vitamins in the blood. B vitamins are important for making red blood cells.
1. Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
2. RBC count: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
3. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) Test - Testing.com. Sep 27, 2022 [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (19)

Red blood cells

Red blood cells

Image by John Kalekos of Massachusetts image distribution for Science and Learning

Red Blood Cell

This image shows two red blood cells. The red blood cell is also called an erythrocyte: erythro is Greek for \"red,\" cyte is Latin for \"cell.\" The disc-shaped RBCs have the critical job of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells and bringing carbon dioxide from the cells back to the lungs to be expelled.

Image by TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell in Capillary

The cardiovascular system is vast network of arteries, veins and vessels that would extend 60,000 miles if stretched end-to-end. All but a tiny fraction of this vessel network is invisible to the naked eye. The smallest capillaries (from latin "hairlike") are so narrow that red blood cells must pass through in single file. Higher than normal blood iron levels have been linked to heart disease and the reason is believed to be the oxidative stress the excess iron places on the walls of the blood vessels. It is the biological counterpart of rust. There are 20-30 trillion red blood cells (RBCs) in an adult's body. The life span of RBCs, which are produced in bone marrow, is about 100 days, which means that 2 million die (and are replaced) each second, but in that short lifetime they can make 75,000 round trips between lungs, heart and tissues in the body.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Reduced Red Blood Cell Count

Individual blood cells were first detected and described in the 17th century. Later, red blood cells (RBCs) were counted manually from a blood smear, a thin film of blood prepared on a glass slide and examined under a microscope (blood analysis is now automated, though smears are still used to detect visible abnormalities and to check or confirm the results of other tests). Anemia results when there are too few RBCs in circulation because they are being destroyed too quickly or produced too slowly. Anemia can be temporary or long term and range from mild to severe. Folate (also known as vitamin B9) is necessary for red blood cell production and the prevention of anemia, as well as the metabolism of carbohydrates. But folate also plays key roles in the synthesis and maintenance of DNA and is especially important in cell division and growth in fetal development (deficiencies of the vitamin in pregnancy is a common cause of birth defects). Pernicious anemia is a disorder in which the body's loses its ability to utilize folate and vitamin B12.

Image by TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell (RBC)

There are 20-30 trillion red blood cells (RBCs) in an adult's body. The life span of RBCs, which are produced in bone marrow, is about 100 days, which means that 2 million die (and are replaced) each second. In their short lifetimes, however, red blood cells can make 75,000 round trips between lungs, heart and tissues in the body.

Image by TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell

The RBC is disc-shaped and concave on both sides. The concave shape increases the cells' surface area, which allows them to distribute more oxygen to the body's cells. The shape also enables the cells to bunch together more compactly, helping them travel through the bloodstream more efficiently. Some RBCs are a bit thicker or thinner, wider or longer than others, but can change their shape to suit the demands of their environment. The cell membranes of the RBCs are protein meshes that give them flexibility, allowing them to navigate the twists and turns of the blood vessel network. The nearly 300 million hemoglobin molecules contained within each RBC easily move and slide past each other within the cell, adjusting their positions to conform to the RBC's shifting shape. Diameter : 7 μm

Image by TheVisualMD

Capillary Revealing Red Blood Cell

A portion of a capillary wall has been cut away to reveal the red blood cells flowing within.

Image by TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell

Medical visualization of red blood cells and leukocytes.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Normal Red Blood Cell Count

Individual blood cells were first detected and described in the 17th century. Later, red blood cells were counted manually from a blood smear, a thin film of blood prepared on a glass slide and examined under a microscope. Blood analysis is now automated, though blood smears are still used to detect visible abnormalities and to check or confirm the results of other tests. There are normally between 4.2-5.8 million red blood cells per microliter (about a drop), which means there are 20-30 trillion red blood cells circulating through the body of an adult.

Image by TheVisualMD

Tubule of Nephron Revealing Many Red Blood Cell

This image shows the cut distal convoluted tubule of nephron with surrounding capillaries cut to reveal many red blood cells and healthy amounts of Erythopoeitin, EPO, (yellow particles). Erythropoeitin, EPO, is produced by the endothelial cells of the capillaries and the fibroblasts in the interstitial tissue surrounding the distal tubules. Normally, the kidneys produce EPO in response to low oxygen levels in order to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow. A normal amount of red blood cells allows for the delivery of an adequate supply of oxygen.

Image by TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell in Capillary

This image shows red blood cells traveling through capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body.

Image by TheVisualMD

Tubule of Nephron Revealing Few Red Blood Cell

Our kidneys are remarkable filters. Each day, they filter about 200 quarts of blood to extract about 2 quarts of wastes, which is then eliminated as urine. The kidneys' delicate filtration units are called nephrons; each kidney has about a million nephrons, and within each nephron are dense forests of tiny capillaries called glomeruli, which remove waste products from the blood while preventing the loss of other components, including proteins, electrolytes and blood cells. The glomerular filtration rate is the amount of blood that is filtered by the glomeruli per minute.

Image by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

Video Topics : Our lifeblood consists of many components and a complete blood count (CBC) includes measurements of the fundamental elements. The largest categories are red and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) and cell fragments called platelets, which play roles in blood clotting. There are 20-30 trillion red blood cells in the body of an adult, each with a lifespan of about 100 days (RBCs contain an iron-containing protein called hemoglobin that enables them to carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body and then return carbon dioxide to the lungs). WBCs are in the front lines in the body's ongoing fight against harmful viruses, bacteria and even fungus; when a pathogen enters the body, WBCs mobilize in a coordinated defense response to eliminate, neutralize or mark the invader for destruction. The liquid portion of blood is called plasma and it carries nutrients, electrolytes, waste products, and hormones.

Video by TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices (Anemia Labs)

Video by Nursing School Explained/YouTube

WellnessFX: Red Blood Cell Indices Part 1 with Bryan Walsh

Video by WellnessFX/YouTube

WellnessFX: Red Blood Cell Indices Part 2 with Bryan Walsh

Video by WellnessFX/YouTube

Red Blood Cells Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

Video by NURSINGcom/YouTube

This browser does not support the video element.

Flowing Red Blood Cell (RBC)

Animation of red blood cells flowoing quicly through a blood vessel. The camera is positioned in the lumen of the vessel and the rbc's are flowing towards the viewer. The rbc and and lumen are rendered with muted colors to give it a softer look.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Red Blood Cell Development

This video explains red blood cell development, following a pluripotent stem cell to red blood cell.

Video by TheVisualMD

Red blood cells

John Kalekos of Massachusetts image distribution for Science and Learning

Red Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell in Capillary

TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Reduced Red Blood Cell Count

TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell (RBC)

TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

Capillary Revealing Red Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Normal Red Blood Cell Count

TheVisualMD

Tubule of Nephron Revealing Many Red Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell in Capillary

TheVisualMD

Tubule of Nephron Revealing Few Red Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

2:12

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

TheVisualMD

7:45

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices (Anemia Labs)

Nursing School Explained/YouTube

33:35

WellnessFX: Red Blood Cell Indices Part 1 with Bryan Walsh

WellnessFX/YouTube

28:05

WellnessFX: Red Blood Cell Indices Part 2 with Bryan Walsh

WellnessFX/YouTube

3:01

Red Blood Cells Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

NURSINGcom/YouTube

0:12

Flowing Red Blood Cell (RBC)

TheVisualMD

0:31

Red Blood Cell Development

TheVisualMD

White Blood Cells

White Blood Count (WBC)

Also called: WBC, WBC Blood Test, White Blood Count, White Blood Cell Count, Leukocyte Count, Leukopenia Test, Leukocytosis Test

A white blood count measures the number of white cells in your blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system. A count that is too high or too low can indicate an infection, immune system disorder, or another health problem.

White Blood Count (WBC)

Also called: WBC, WBC Blood Test, White Blood Count, White Blood Cell Count, Leukocyte Count, Leukopenia Test, Leukocytosis Test

A white blood count measures the number of white cells in your blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system. A count that is too high or too low can indicate an infection, immune system disorder, or another health problem.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
4500
11000
Your result is Normal.
Normally, people produce about 100 billion white blood cells (WBCs) a day. The total white blood cell count normally ranges between 4,500 and 11,000 WBCs per microliter.
Related conditions
A white blood count measures the number of white cells in your blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system. They help your body fight off infections and other diseases.
When you get sick, your body makes more white blood cells to fight the bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances causing your illness. This increases your white blood count.
Other diseases can cause your body to make fewer white blood cells than you need. This lowers your white blood count. Diseases that can lower your white blood count include some types of cancer and HIV/AIDS, a viral disease that attacks white blood cells. Certain medicines, including chemotherapy, may also lower the number of your white blood cells.
There are five major types of white blood cells:
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
A white blood count measures the total number of these cells in your blood. Another test, called a blood differential, measures the amount of each type of white blood cell.
Other names: WBC count, white cell count, white blood cell count
A white blood count is most often used to help diagnose disorders related to having a high white blood cell count or low white blood cell count.
Disorders related to having a high white blood count include:
- Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, conditions that cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Cancers such as leukemia and Hodgkin disease
- Allergic reactions
Disorders related to having a low white blood count include:
- Diseases of the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS
- Lymphoma, a cancer of the bone marrow
- Diseases of the liver or spleen
A white blood count can show if the number of your white blood cells is too high or too low, but it can't confirm a diagnosis. So it is usually done along with other tests, such as a complete blood count, blood differential, blood smear, and/or bone marrow test.
You may need this test if you have signs of an infection, inflammation, or autoimmune disease. Symptoms of infection include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Headache
Symptoms of inflammation and autoimmune diseases will be different, depending on the area of inflammation and type of disease.
You may also need this test if you have a disease that weakens your immune system or are taking medicine that lowers your immune response. If the test shows your white blood count is getting too low, your provider may be able to adjust your treatment.
Your newborn or older child may also be tested as part of a routine screening, or if they have symptoms of a white blood cell disorder.
A high white blood count may mean you have one of the following conditions:
- A bacterial or viral infection
- An inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis
- An allergy
- Leukemia or Hodgkin disease
- Tissue damage from a burn injury or surgery
A low white blood count may mean you have one of the following conditions:
- Bone marrow damage. This may be caused by infection, disease, or treatments such as chemotherapy.
- Cancers that affect the bone marrow
- An autoimmune disorder, such as lupus (or SLE)
- HIV/AIDS
If you are already being treated for a white blood cell disorder, your results may show if your treatment is working or whether your condition has improved.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
White blood count results are often compared with results of other blood tests, including a blood differential. A blood differential test shows the amount of each type of white blood cell, such as neutrophils or lymphocytes. Neutrophils mostly target bacterial infections. Lymphocytes mostly target viral infections.
- A higher than normal amount of neutrophils is known as neutrophilia.
- A lower than normal amount is known as neutropenia.
- A higher than normal amount of lymphocytes is known as lymphocytosis.
- A lower normal amount is known as lymphopenia.
1. White Blood Count (WBC): MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
2. WBC count: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
3. White Blood Cell Count (WBC Blood Test) - Testing.com. Sep 28, 2022 [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (37)

White Blood Cell Count: Bone Marrow

Disease or damage to the bone marrow, caused by infection, cancer, radiation treatment, or chemotherapy can lower white blood cell count by impairing the marrow's ability to produce new white blood cells.

Image by TheVisualMD

White Blood Cells, Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is constantly producing blood cells, including white blood cells and red blood cells as well platelets, which are cell fragments important for blood clotting. Disease and disorders of the bone marrow can, in turn, affect the production of blood cells. Both cancer and cancer treatment (chemotherapy and radiation) can also have an impact on the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells.

Image by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

Video Topics : Our lifeblood consists of many components and a complete blood count (CBC) includes measurements of the fundamental elements. The largest categories are red and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) and cell fragments called platelets, which play roles in blood clotting. There are 20-30 trillion red blood cells in the body of an adult, each with a lifespan of about 100 days (RBCs contain an iron-containing protein called hemoglobin that enables them to carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body and then return carbon dioxide to the lungs). WBCs are in the front lines in the body's ongoing fight against harmful viruses, bacteria and even fungus; when a pathogen enters the body, WBCs mobilize in a coordinated defense response to eliminate, neutralize or mark the invader for destruction. The liquid portion of blood is called plasma and it carries nutrients, electrolytes, waste products, and hormones.

Video by TheVisualMD

The Immune System Explained I – Bacteria Infection

Video by Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell/YouTube

Immune Response to Bacteria

Video by NIAID/YouTube

Immunology - Adaptive Immune System

Video by Armando Hasudungan/YouTube

Immune System - Natural Killer Cell

Video by Kyle Thornthwaite/YouTube

Your Immune System: Natural Born Killer - Crash Course Biology #32

Video by CrashCourse/YouTube

White Blood Cell and Red Blood Cell

Medical visualization of blood cells. Depicted are numerous red blood cells and a single white blood cell.

Image by TheVisualMD

White Blood Cell and Red Blood Cell

Medical visualization of blood cells. Depicted are numerous red blood cells and a single white blood cell.

Image by TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell

Visualization of red blood cells and a white blood cell

Image by TheVisualMD

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Blood cells (from left to right: erythrocyte, thrombocyte, leukocyte)

A single drop of blood contains millions of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. One of each type is shown here, isolated from a scanning electron micrograph.

Image by Electron Microscopy Facility at The National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick)

Bone structure

Anatomy of the bone. The bone is made up of compact bone, spongy bone, and bone marrow. Compact bone makes up the outer layer of the bone. Spongy bone is found mostly at the ends of bones and contains red marrow. Bone marrow is found in the center of most bones and has many blood vessels. There are two types of bone marrow: red and yellow. Red marrow contains blood stem cells that can become red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Yellow marrow is made mostly of fat.

Image by Smart Servier website

Blood Cells

Formed Elements of Blood

Image by Blausen.com staff (2014). \"Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014\"

Phagocytosis - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance made by the liver that is released into the bloodstream by inflammation and infection as part of the body's immune response.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance made by the liver that is released into the bloodstream by inflammation and infection as part of the body's immune response. White blood cells are also mobilized by the immune system and CRP is believed to enhance the activity of the white blood cells called macrophages. Each type of white blood cell has its own specialized immune functions; macrophages, for example, basically engulf and \"eat\" foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Macrophages in the spleen and the liver weed out old and defective red blood cells and break them into recyclables (iron, heme, and some globin) and wastes (such as bilirubin). The bilirubin is then used by the liver to produce bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid digestion.

Image by TheVisualMD

White blood cells

Immune cells surrounding hair follicles in mouse skin. These hair follicles are home to a diverse array of commensal bacteria.

Image by NIAID

Neutrophil

Neutrophil function, relationship to disease, and location in the human body. Credit: NIAID

Image by NIAID

Innate immune system

Image by US Gov

Macrophage Capturing Foreign Antigen

Cell-mediated immunity is an immune response that does not involve antibodies or complement but rather involves the activation of macrophages, natural killer cells (NK), antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in response to an antigen. Macrophages are white blood cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens

Image by TheVisualMD

Mast Cell

Mast cells produce histamine. Histamine is known for its role in inflammation. It affects a variety of behavior patterns including the sleep-wake cycle and food intake. Antihistamines may work at odds with inflammation and depression.

Image by TheVisualMD

Leukocytes

Image by OpenStax College

Innate immune system

Illustration of the Innate Immune System responding to injury.

Image by OpenStax College

Eosinophilia

Drawing of an eosinophil white blood cell

Image by Iceclanl

Two neutrophils among many red blood cells. Neutrophils are one type of cell affected by chronic granulomatous disease.

Image by Uploaded by Mgiganteus

Eosinophils

Eosinophil function, relationship to disease, and location in the human body.

Image by NIAID

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Blood Cells

This is a scanning electron microscope image from normal circulating human blood. One can see red blood cells, several white blood cells including lymphocytes, amonocyte, a neutrophil, and many small disc-shaped platelets. Red cells are nonnucleated and contain hemoglobin, an important protein that contains iron and allows the cell to carry oxygen to other parts of the body. They also carry carbon dioxide away from peripheral tissue to the lungs where it can be exhaled. The infection-fighting white blood cells are classified in two main groups: granular and agranular. All blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. There are two types of agranulocytes: lymphocytes, which fight disease by producing antibodies and thus destroying foreign material, and monocytes. Platelets are tiny cells formed in bone marrow and are necessary for blood clotting.

Image by Bruce Wetzel (photographer). Harry Schaefer (photographer), National Cancer Institute

Immune System and Autoimmune Diseases

Normally, an individual's immune system learns to identify and ignore all of the distinctive little structures found on that individual's own cells. Sometimes, however, it will make a mistake and identify its own body as foreign. If that happens, the immune system produces antibodies that attempt to destroy the body's own cells in the same way it would try to destroy a foreign invader.

Image by TheVisualMD

Eosinophils

Drawing of an eosinophil white blood cell

Image by BruceBlaus

Eosinophils

On the left there is a segmented polymorphonuclear neutrophil, on the right and below is one eosinophil leucocyte. For comparison the red blood cell have a diameter of 7-8 micrometers. The picture was taken with a Nikon Eclipse 600 microscope, magnification was 1000x.

Image by Davidcsaba Dr. David Csaba L.

Neutrophil action - Inflammation

Neutrophil granulocyte migrates from the blood vessel to the matrix, secreting proteolytic enzymes, in order to dissolve intercellular connections (for improvement of its mobility) and envelop bacteria through Phagocytosis.

Image by Uwe Thormann/Wikimedia

Neutrophil

Image by BruceBlaus

White Blood Cells

A type of immune cell. Most white blood cells are made in the bone marrow and are found in the blood and lymph tissue. White blood cells help the body fight infections and other diseases. Granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes are white blood cells.

Image by Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014"

high white blood cell count Video

Video by itbestshop/YouTube

What Are White Blood Cells | Health | Biology | FuseSchool

Video by FuseSchool - Global Education/YouTube

Learning to Decode Your Blood Test Results for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Video by CLL Society/YouTube

WellnessFX: White Blood Cells And Differential with Bryan Walsh

Video by WellnessFX/YouTube

White Blood Count

White Blood Count

Image by TheVisualMD

White Blood Cell Count: Bone Marrow

TheVisualMD

White Blood Cells, Bone Marrow

TheVisualMD

2:12

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

TheVisualMD

6:49

The Immune System Explained I – Bacteria Infection

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell/YouTube

1:47

Immune Response to Bacteria

NIAID/YouTube

14:59

Immunology - Adaptive Immune System

Armando Hasudungan/YouTube

3:02

Immune System - Natural Killer Cell

Kyle Thornthwaite/YouTube

15:02

Your Immune System: Natural Born Killer - Crash Course Biology #32

CrashCourse/YouTube

White Blood Cell and Red Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

White Blood Cell and Red Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Blood cells (from left to right: erythrocyte, thrombocyte, leukocyte)

Electron Microscopy Facility at The National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick)

Bone structure

Smart Servier website

Blood Cells

Blausen.com staff (2014). \"Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014\"

Phagocytosis - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance made by the liver that is released into the bloodstream by inflammation and infection as part of the body's immune response.

TheVisualMD

White blood cells

NIAID

Neutrophil

NIAID

Innate immune system

US Gov

Macrophage Capturing Foreign Antigen

TheVisualMD

Mast Cell

TheVisualMD

Leukocytes

OpenStax College

Innate immune system

OpenStax College

Eosinophilia

Iceclanl

Two neutrophils among many red blood cells. Neutrophils are one type of cell affected by chronic granulomatous disease.

Uploaded by Mgiganteus

Eosinophils

NIAID

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Blood Cells

Bruce Wetzel (photographer). Harry Schaefer (photographer), National Cancer Institute

Immune System and Autoimmune Diseases

TheVisualMD

Eosinophils

BruceBlaus

Eosinophils

Davidcsaba Dr. David Csaba L.

Neutrophil action - Inflammation

Uwe Thormann/Wikimedia

Neutrophil

BruceBlaus

White Blood Cells

Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014"

8:22

high white blood cell count Video

itbestshop/YouTube

3:12

What Are White Blood Cells | Health | Biology | FuseSchool

FuseSchool - Global Education/YouTube

1:17:17

Learning to Decode Your Blood Test Results for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

CLL Society/YouTube

16:52

WellnessFX: White Blood Cells And Differential with Bryan Walsh

WellnessFX/YouTube

White Blood Count

TheVisualMD

Platelets

Platelet Count

Also called: Platelets, PLT Count, Platelet Adequacy, Thrombocyte Count, Thrombocytopenia Test, Thrombocytosis Test, Platelet count

A platelet count test measures the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. Platelets may be counted to monitor or diagnose diseases, or to look for the cause of too much bleeding or clotting.

Platelet Count

Also called: Platelets, PLT Count, Platelet Adequacy, Thrombocyte Count, Thrombocytopenia Test, Thrombocytosis Test, Platelet count

A platelet count test measures the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. Platelets may be counted to monitor or diagnose diseases, or to look for the cause of too much bleeding or clotting.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
10³/μL
50
150
450
Your result is Normal.
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Platelets are tiny blood cells that are made in the bone marrow from larger cells. When you are injured, platelets stick together to form a plug to seal your wound. This plug is called a blood clot.
Related conditions
You may need platelet count testing if you have symptoms of having too few or too many platelets.
Symptoms of too few platelets include:
- Prolonged bleeding after a minor cut or injury
- Nosebleeds
- Unexplained bruising
- Pinpoint sized red spots on the skin, known as petechiae
- Purplish spots on the skin, known as purpura. These may be caused by bleeding under the skin.
- Heavy and/or prolonged menstrual periods
Symptoms of too many platelets include:
- Numbness of hands and feet
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
If your results show a lower than normal platelet count (thrombocytopenia), it may indicate:
- A cancer that affects the blood, such as leukemia or lymphoma
- A viral infection, such as mononucleosis, hepatitis, or measles
- An autoimmune disease. This is a disorder that causes the body to attack its own healthy tissues, which can include platelets.
- Infection or damage to the bone marrow
- Cirrhosis
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Gestational thrombocytopenia, a common, but mild, low-platelet condition affecting pregnant women. It is not known to cause any harm to a mother or her unborn baby. It usually gets better on its own during pregnancy or after birth.
If your results show a higher than normal platelet count (thrombocytosis), it may indicate:
- Certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer or breast cancer
- Anemia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- A viral or bacterial infection
1. Platelet Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
2. Platelet Count (PLT) Blood Test - Testing.com. Dec 19, 2023 [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
3. Platelet count: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (8)

Platelet Development

Illustration of Platelet Development

Image by OpenStax College

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Platelet Disorders

From left to right: erythrocyte, thrombocyte, leukocyte

Image by Electron Microscopy Facility at The National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick)

Scheme of a blood sample after centrifugation

scheme of a blood sample after centrifugation

Image by KnuteKnudsen (talk)

Decode Your Blood Test: Platelets 💉 | Merck Manual Consumer Version

Video by Merck Manuals/YouTube

This browser does not support the video element.

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

Video Topics : Our lifeblood consists of many components and a complete blood count (CBC) includes measurements of the fundamental elements. The largest categories are red and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) and cell fragments called platelets, which play roles in blood clotting. There are 20-30 trillion red blood cells in the body of an adult, each with a lifespan of about 100 days (RBCs contain an iron-containing protein called hemoglobin that enables them to carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body and then return carbon dioxide to the lungs). WBCs are in the front lines in the body's ongoing fight against harmful viruses, bacteria and even fungus; when a pathogen enters the body, WBCs mobilize in a coordinated defense response to eliminate, neutralize or mark the invader for destruction. The liquid portion of blood is called plasma and it carries nutrients, electrolytes, waste products, and hormones.

Video by TheVisualMD

Platelets Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

Video by NURSINGcom/YouTube

Platelets Explained in Two Minutes

Video by American Red Cross/YouTube

The life and times of RBCs and platelets

Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube

Platelet Development

OpenStax College

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Platelet Disorders

Electron Microscopy Facility at The National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick)

Scheme of a blood sample after centrifugation

KnuteKnudsen (talk)

0:48

Decode Your Blood Test: Platelets 💉 | Merck Manual Consumer Version

Merck Manuals/YouTube

2:12

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

TheVisualMD

3:54

Platelets Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

NURSINGcom/YouTube

1:47

Platelets Explained in Two Minutes

American Red Cross/YouTube

10:35

The life and times of RBCs and platelets

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin Blood Test

Also called: Hemoglobin, Hgb

A hemoglobin test measures the levels of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Abnormal levels may mean you have anemia or another blood disorder.

Hemoglobin Blood Test

Also called: Hemoglobin, Hgb

A hemoglobin test measures the levels of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Abnormal levels may mean you have anemia or another blood disorder.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
g/dL
13.8
17.2
Your result is Normal.
Heme, an iron-containing molecule, combines with globin proteins to form hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Related conditions
Your health care provider may order the test as part of a routine exam, or if you have:
- Symptoms of anemia, which include weakness, dizziness, and cold hands and feet
- A family history of thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or other inherited blood disorder
- A diet low in iron and other minerals
- A long-term infection
- Excessive blood loss from an injury or surgical procedure
There are many reasons your hemoglobin levels may not be in the normal range.
Low hemoglobin levels may be a sign of:
- Different types of anemia
- Thalassemia
- Iron deficiency
- Liver disease
- Cancer and other diseases
High hemoglobin levels may be a sign of:
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- Polycythemia vera, a disorder in which your body makes too many red blood cells. It can cause headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
If any of your levels are abnormal, it doesn't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Diet, activity level, medicines, a menstrual period, and other factors can affect the results. You may also have higher than normal hemoglobin levels if you live in a high altitude area. Talk with your provider to learn what your results mean.
1. Hemoglobin Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
2. Hemoglobin: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
3. Hemoglobin - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (16)

Hemoglobin | Human anatomy and physiology | Health & Medicine | Khan Academy

Video by Khan Academy/YouTube

Blood, Part 2 - There Will Be Blood: Crash Course A&P #30

Video by CrashCourse/YouTube

Haemoglobin

Video by Wellcome Trust/YouTube

Hemoglobin A1c & Diabetes

Video by DiabeTV/YouTube

Hemoglobin Molecule

Molecule of hemoglobin.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin A1C Molecule

Hemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. Hemoglobin also binds with glucose. Diabetics have too much glucose in the bloodstream and this extra glucose binds (or glycates) with hemoglobin. Glycated hemoglobin usually stays glycated for the life of the red blood cell (about 3 months). Therefore, the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (measured as A1C) reflects glucose levels that have affected red blood cells up to 3 months in the past. The hemoglobin A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin bound to blood sugar (glucose); the test is used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because the test results reflect average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months (rather than daily fluctuations), the hemoglobin A1C test is also used to gauge how well patients are managing their diabetes over time.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin A1C: Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells use the iron-rich protein hemoglobin to carry oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body and return carbon dioxide to the lungs. The percentage of hemoglobin bound to blood glucose (hemoglobin A1C) is used to diagnose diabetes.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin of Red Blood Cell

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells that binds oxygen and carbon dioxide for transport and delivery to different parts of the body.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin Molecule

Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that is packed inside RBCs. It is a structurally complex molecule that can change shape to either hold or release oxygen, depending on the body's need. There are close to 300 million hemoglobin molecules within each RBC.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin Molecule Heme Group

A heme group in a hemoglobin molecule consists of an iron atom bound equally to four nitrogen atoms, all lying in one plane. The iron atom is the site of oxygen binding.

Image by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Hemoglobin Within Red Blood Cell (RBC)

A red blood cell rushes toward the camera, the camera enters the cell to focus on all of the hemoglobin molecules within

Video by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin, Carbon Monoxide

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that enables red blood cells to deliver oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. But the same binding site on the hemoglobin molecule has an even stronger affinity for carbon monoxide, which is why we are so susceptible to poisoning by this deadly gas; carbon monoxide grabs all the binding sites and starves the body's tissues of oxygen

Image by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Hemoglobin A1c

The hemoglobin A1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin bound to blood sugar (glucose); the test is used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because the test results reflect average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months (rather than daily fluctuations), the hemoglobin A1C test is also used to gauge how well patients are managing their diabetes over time.

Video by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin A1c

The hemoglobin A1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin bound to blood sugar (glucose); the test is used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because the test results reflect average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months (rather than daily fluctuations), the hemoglobin A1C test is also used to gauge how well patients are managing their diabetes over time.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin: O2 Binding Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin normally binds to life-sustaining oxygen. But the same binding site on the hemoglobin molecule has an even stronger affinity for carbon monoxide, which is why we are so susceptible to poisoning by this deadly gas.

Image by TheVisualMD

HemoglobinA1C

Hemoglobin Test for O2 Binding Hemoglobin : A hemoglobin test is a measurement of your blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. High levels of hemoglobin can be the result of dehydration, lung disease and other conditions. Low levels of hemoglobin indicate that there is a shortage of red blood cells; this can be the result of RBCs being lost or destroyed too quickly or produced too slowly. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that enables red blood cells to deliver oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. But the same binding site on the hemoglobin molecule has an even stronger affinity for carbon monoxide, which is why we are so susceptible to poisoning by this deadly gas; carbon monoxide grabs all the binding sites and starves the body's tissues of oxygen.

Image by TheVisualMD

14:34

Hemoglobin | Human anatomy and physiology | Health & Medicine | Khan Academy

Khan Academy/YouTube

10:01

Blood, Part 2 - There Will Be Blood: Crash Course A&P #30

CrashCourse/YouTube

5:31

Haemoglobin

Wellcome Trust/YouTube

1:43

Hemoglobin A1c & Diabetes

DiabeTV/YouTube

Hemoglobin Molecule

TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin A1C Molecule

TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin A1C: Red Blood Cells

TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin of Red Blood Cell

TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin Molecule

TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin Molecule Heme Group

TheVisualMD

0:27

Hemoglobin Within Red Blood Cell (RBC)

TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin, Carbon Monoxide

TheVisualMD

0:27

Hemoglobin A1c

TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin A1c

TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin: O2 Binding Hemoglobin

TheVisualMD

HemoglobinA1C

TheVisualMD

Hematocrit

Hematocrit Blood Test

Also called: Hematrocit, HCT, Crit, Packed Cell Volume, PCV

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures how much of a person's blood is made up of red blood cells. Hematocrit levels that are too high or too low can be a sign of a blood disorder, dehydration, or other medical conditions that affect your blood.

Hematocrit Blood Test

Also called: Hematrocit, HCT, Crit, Packed Cell Volume, PCV

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures how much of a person's blood is made up of red blood cells. Hematocrit levels that are too high or too low can be a sign of a blood disorder, dehydration, or other medical conditions that affect your blood.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
%
40.7
50.3
Your result is Normal.
Normal hematocrit levels vary based on age and race. In adults, normal levels for men range from 41%-50%. For women, the normal range is slightly lower: 36%-44%.
Related conditions
Your health care provider may order a hematocrit test as part of your regular checkup or to monitor your health if you are being treated for cancer or have an ongoing health condition. Your provider may also order this test if you have symptoms of a red blood cell disorder, such as anemia or polycythemia:
Symptoms of anemia (too few red blood cells) may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)
Symptoms of polycythemia (too many red blood cells) may include:
- Headache
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or fatigue
- Skin symptoms such as itching after a shower or bath, burning, or a red face
- Heavy sweating, especially during sleep
- Blurred or double vision and blind spots
- Bleeding gums and heavy bleeding from small cuts
Your hematocrit test results are reported as a number. That number is the percentage of your blood that's made of red blood cells. For example, if your hematocrit test result is 42, it means that 42% of your blood is red blood cells and the rest is white blood cells, platelets, and blood plasma.
A hematocrit level that's lower than normal may be a sign that:
- Your body doesn't have enough red blood cells (anemia). There are many types of anemia that can be caused by different medical conditions.
- Your body is making too many white blood cells, which may be caused by:
  Bone marrow disease
  Certain cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or cancers that spread to the bone marrow from other parts of the body
A hematocrit level that's higher than normal may be a sign that:
- Your body is making too many red blood cells, which may be caused by:
  Lung disease
  Congenital heart disease
  Heart failure
  Polycythemia
- Your blood plasma level is too low, which may be caused by:
  Dehydration, the most common cause of a high hematocrit
  Shock
If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn't always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Living at high altitudes where there's less oxygen in the air may cause a high hematocrit. That's because your body responds to low oxygen levels by making more red blood cells so that you get the oxygen you need.
Pregnancy can cause a low hematocrit. That's because the body has more fluid than normal during pregnancy, which decreases the percentage that's made of red blood cells.
To learn what your test results mean, talk with your provider.
1. Hematocrit Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
2. Hematocrit: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]
3. Hematrocit Blood Test - Testing.com. Sep 13, 2022 [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (30)

This browser does not support the video element.

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

Video Topics : Our lifeblood consists of many components and a complete blood count (CBC) includes measurements of the fundamental elements. The largest categories are red and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) and cell fragments called platelets, which play roles in blood clotting. There are 20-30 trillion red blood cells in the body of an adult, each with a lifespan of about 100 days (RBCs contain an iron-containing protein called hemoglobin that enables them to carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body and then return carbon dioxide to the lungs). WBCs are in the front lines in the body's ongoing fight against harmful viruses, bacteria and even fungus; when a pathogen enters the body, WBCs mobilize in a coordinated defense response to eliminate, neutralize or mark the invader for destruction. The liquid portion of blood is called plasma and it carries nutrients, electrolytes, waste products, and hormones.

Video by TheVisualMD

Vial of Centrifuged Blood

Blood is made up of red and white blood cell (as well as platelets), suspended in a liquid known as blood plasma. Plasma, which makes up 55% of our blood's volume, is a clear liquid (mainly water) that transports food molecules, hormones, waste as well as a wide range of dissolved chemicals. Red cells, which normally make up 40-50% of total blood volume, are produced continuously in our bone marrow at the rate of about 2-3 million cells per second. White cells make up a very small part of blood's volume-normally only about 1% in healthy people. This image shows two vials of centrifuged blood. The left vial shows healthy amount of red blood cells in female (36-44%) ; The right vial shows healthy amount of red blood cells in male (41-50%). The hematocrit (along with the hemoglobin test) is the central test to diagnosing anemia in that it indicates the amount of RBCs in the blood.

Image by TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cells, Bone Marrow

A skeleton may have a dry and lifeless Halloween image, but bone is actually dynamic, living tissue. Bone is not uniformly solid; within its interior is a network of cavities that house blood vessels and marrow. Bone marrow, particularly in larger bones, is where stem cells give rise to red blood cells (erythrocytes) as well as white blood cells (leukocytes) and blood clotting agents (platelets). As the source of blood cells, the bone marrow is critical to health. Disease or damage to bone marrow can result in either too many or too few blood cells.

Image by TheVisualMD

Anemia: Basic lab tests - hematocrit, hemoglobin, reticulocyte, MCV, morphology

Video by retic20/YouTube

Hematocrit Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

Video by NURSINGcom/YouTube

Hematocrit, Dehydration

Blood is composed of cells (primarily red blood cells, but also white blood cells and cell fragments called platelets) along with a liquid portion known as plasma. The ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the volume of plasma is an important health indicator and is known as the hematocrit. The most common cause of a high hematocrit is dehydration, which is usually temporary and easily remedied by increasing fluid intake, thereby restores the balance between RBCs and blood plasma volume.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hematocrit, Anemia

Blood is composed of cells (primarily red blood cells, but also white blood cells and cell fragments called platelets) along with a liquid portion known as plasma. The ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the volume of plasma is an important health indicator and is known as the hematocrit. A low hematocrit usually indicates anemia, which occurs when red blood cells are being either destroyed too quickly or produced too slowly; with fewer red blood cells, less oxygen is delivered to body tissues.

Image by TheVisualMD

Vial of Blood for Hematocrit Test

This image is a vial of blood that has been centrifuged (and thus separated) to determine hematocrit. This vial shows, from top to bottom, 55% plasma, <1% white blood cells, <1% platelets , 45% red blood cells. Hematocrit measures how much of the blood, by volume, is taken up by RBCs. A normal range for hematocrit is 41 to 50 percent in men and 36 to 44 percent in women. In many cases, a reading below the normal range for hematocrit will lead to a diagnosis of CKD-related anemia.This other diagnostic test is the hemoglobin test, which measures the amount of hemoglobin molecules in the blood and is a good indicator of the body's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hematocrit: Bone Marrow

Bone marrow produces about 2 million red blood cells (RBCs) a second to maintain a healthy hematocrit. Many conditions, including kidney disease, chemotherapy, and dietary deficiencies, can reduce RBC production, while others can result in too many RBCs.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hematocrit: Blood Cells

The hematocrit is another way to look at the health of red blood cells (RBCs). Blood is composed of cells (primarily RBCs) and a liquid portion called plasma. The proportions of RBCs and plasma must be kept in balance and this is what the hematocrit measures.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood

Components of Blood : Blood is mostly made up of plasma and red and white blood cells. But it also contains many other substances as well, like platelets, hormones, nutrients such as glucose, and fats like cholesterol. Blood is the fluid of life, transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissue and carbon dioxide from body tissue to the lungs.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hematocrit

Hematocrit Blood Vials : If you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, your doctor may order a cholesterol and triglyceride level test as well as a complete blood count (CBC). Abnormal results may be the first clue in determining risk of and in diagnosing cardiovascular disease.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Reduced Red Blood Cell Count

Individual blood cells were first detected and described in the 17th century. Later, red blood cells (RBCs) were counted manually from a blood smear, a thin film of blood prepared on a glass slide and examined under a microscope (blood analysis is now automated, though smears are still used to detect visible abnormalities and to check or confirm the results of other tests). Anemia results when there are too few RBCs in circulation because they are being destroyed too quickly or produced too slowly. Anemia can be temporary or long term and range from mild to severe. Folate (also known as vitamin B9) is necessary for red blood cell production and the prevention of anemia, as well as the metabolism of carbohydrates. But folate also plays key roles in the synthesis and maintenance of DNA and is especially important in cell division and growth in fetal development (deficiencies of the vitamin in pregnancy is a common cause of birth defects). Pernicious anemia is a disorder in which the body's loses its ability to utilize folate and vitamin B12.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Normal Red Blood Cell Count

Individual blood cells were first detected and described in the 17th century. Later, red blood cells were counted manually from a blood smear, a thin film of blood prepared on a glass slide and examined under a microscope. Blood analysis is now automated, though blood smears are still used to detect visible abnormalities and to check or confirm the results of other tests. There are normally between 4.2-5.8 million red blood cells per microliter (about a drop), which means there are 20-30 trillion red blood cells circulating through the body of an adult.

Image by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Red Blood Cells Carry Oxygen

This video focuses on one of the main components of blood, the red blood cell and its function to carry oxygen. The video begins with revealing the red blood cells and the heart that pumps the oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule found in these red blood cells that enable blood to transport oxygen. If the blood's capacity to transport oxygen to the tissues is reduced due to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, anemia may occur.

Video by TheVisualMD

Components of Blood

Components of Blood : Our blood is composed of many different components, the largest categories being red and white blood cells (blood-clotting platelets are another key component) and the liquid portion known as blood plasma. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) includes several of the most basic, yet important, measurements of these components.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood and Related Conditions

Blood and Related Conditions : Anemia results when there are too few red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream to deliver adequate oxygen to body tissues. There are different types and causes of anemia, including malnutrition, chronic bleeding, and diseases that result in red blood cells either being destroyed too quickly or produced too slowly.

Image by TheVisualMD

Pellet of Lymphocyte Cells Created in the Centrifuge

This photograph shows Wendy Watford, Ph.D. holding a test tube containing isolated lymphocyte cells. The cells were spun in a centrifuge to create a pellet at the bottom of the test tube. The cells will be labeled with CFSE dye, which will stain the membranes of the cells. After culturing the cells for three days she will determine the number of cell divisions that have taken place by measuring the dilution of the CFSE dye. The purpose of the work is to measure the proliferation of lymphocytes under various conditions. The principal investigator for this work is John J. O’Shea, M.D., NIAMS Scientific Director.

Image by NIAMS/Photographer: Rhoda Baer

Red Blood Cells

Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) image of red blood cells.

Image by Egelberg (talk)

Test Tube

Between 5,000 and 8,000 blood serum, fecal, urine, viral and respiratory samples arrive six days a week from U.S. Air Force hospitals and clinics worldwide, as well as some other Department of Defense facilities, for analysis at the Epidemiology Laboratory Service, also known as the "Epi Lab" at the 711th Human Performance Wing’s United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and Public Health at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.The lab is a Department of Defense reference laboratory offering clinical diagnostic, public health, and force health screening and testing. (U.S. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.)

Image by U.S. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.

Phlebotomy

This image was uploaded as part of Wiki Loves e-textbooks contest in Poland.

Image by Sean Michael Ragan

Red Blood Cells Carry Oxygen

This video focuses on one of the main components of blood, the red blood cell and its function to carry oxygen. The video begins with revealing the red blood cells and the heart that pumps the oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule found in these red blood cells that enable blood to transport oxygen. If the blood's capacity to transport oxygen to the tissues is reduced due to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, anemia may occur.

Image by TheVisualMD

Composition of Blood

Composition of Blood

Image by OpenStax College

Hematology | Hematocrit

Video by Ninja Nerd/YouTube

Erythrocyte indices (Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH & MCHC) What Do These Lab Tests Mean?

Video by Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

How to Interpret RBC Indices (e.g. hemoglobin vs. hematocrit, MCV, RDW)

Video by Strong Medicine/YouTube

Haematocrit or PCV

Video by LabsforLifeProject/YouTube

Packed cell volume/ Hematocrit

Video by Pathology Simplified/YouTube

Fetal hemoglobin and hematocrit | Human anatomy and physiology | Health & Medicine | Khan Academy

Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube

Smoking, Hematocrit, & Fasting Erythropoietin Concentrations

Video by Mayo Proceedings/YouTube

2:12

Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health

TheVisualMD

Vial of Centrifuged Blood

TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cells, Bone Marrow

TheVisualMD

4:32

Anemia: Basic lab tests - hematocrit, hemoglobin, reticulocyte, MCV, morphology

retic20/YouTube

4:40

Hematocrit Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

NURSINGcom/YouTube

Hematocrit, Dehydration

TheVisualMD

Hematocrit, Anemia

TheVisualMD

Vial of Blood for Hematocrit Test

TheVisualMD

Hematocrit: Bone Marrow

TheVisualMD

Hematocrit: Blood Cells

TheVisualMD

Blood

TheVisualMD

Hematocrit

TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Reduced Red Blood Cell Count

TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Normal Red Blood Cell Count

TheVisualMD

0:53

Red Blood Cells Carry Oxygen

TheVisualMD

Components of Blood

TheVisualMD

Blood and Related Conditions

TheVisualMD

Pellet of Lymphocyte Cells Created in the Centrifuge

NIAMS/Photographer: Rhoda Baer

Red Blood Cells

Egelberg (talk)

Test Tube

U.S. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.

Phlebotomy

Sean Michael Ragan

Red Blood Cells Carry Oxygen

TheVisualMD

Composition of Blood

OpenStax College

10:46

Hematology | Hematocrit

Ninja Nerd/YouTube

8:32

Erythrocyte indices (Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH & MCHC) What Do These Lab Tests Mean?

Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

7:06

How to Interpret RBC Indices (e.g. hemoglobin vs. hematocrit, MCV, RDW)

Strong Medicine/YouTube

6:14

Haematocrit or PCV

LabsforLifeProject/YouTube

9:16

Packed cell volume/ Hematocrit

Pathology Simplified/YouTube

14:32

Fetal hemoglobin and hematocrit | Human anatomy and physiology | Health & Medicine | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

6:19

Smoking, Hematocrit, & Fasting Erythropoietin Concentrations

Mayo Proceedings/YouTube

MCV

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) Test

Also called: MCV, MCV Blood Test, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean RBC Volume

A mean corpuscular volume (MCV) blood test measures the size of your red blood cells. If blood cells are too small or too large, it may indicate a blood disorder.

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) Test

Also called: MCV, MCV Blood Test, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean RBC Volume

A mean corpuscular volume (MCV) blood test measures the size of your red blood cells. If blood cells are too small or too large, it may indicate a blood disorder.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
fL
76
96
Your result is Normal.
A normal MCV indicates that the red blood cells are normal average size, or normocytic. Normal results vary based on the laboratory and the method used.
Related conditions
Your health care provider may order a complete blood count, which includes an MCV test, as part of your regular checkup. You may also have the test if you have a chronic (long-lasting) condition that could lead to anemia or if you have the symptoms of anemia:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)
An MCV test alone cannot diagnose any disease. Your provider will use the results of your MCV, other test results, and your medical history to make a diagnosis.
If your results show that your red blood cells are smaller than normal, it may be a sign of:
- Certain types of anemia, including iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type
- Thalassemia, an uncommon genetic condition
If your results show that your red blood cells are larger than normal, it may be a sign of:
- Pernicious anemia, which may be caused by:
  A lack of vitamin B12
  A disease that affects your body's ability to use vitamin B12, such as certain autoimmune diseases, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease.
- Anemia caused by a lack of folic acid
- Liver disease
It's also possible to have anemia with a normal MCV. This may happen if anemia is caused by conditions, such as:
- A sudden loss of blood
- Kidney failure
- Aplastic anemia (uncommon)
If your MCV levels are not in the normal range, it doesn't always mean that you have a medical problem that needs treatment. Diet, activity level, medicines, a menstrual period, and other conditions can affect the test results. Talk with your health care provider to learn what your results mean.
1. MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Jan 20, 2024]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (22)

Microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemias | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube

Non-megaloblastic Macrocytic Anemia

Video by Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

Microcytic anemia | Hematologic System Diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube

Living with and Managing Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Video by NHLBI/YouTube

Hemolytic Anemia

Video by DrER.tv/YouTube

Medical School - Anemia Made Easy

Video by iMedicalSchool/YouTube

Iron deficency anemia diagnosis | Hematologic System Diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube

RBC Indices

Video by Pathology Simplified/YouTube

Anemia: Basic lab tests - hematocrit, hemoglobin, reticulocyte, MCV, morphology

Video by retic20/YouTube

WellnessFX: Red Blood Cell Indices Part 1 with Bryan Walsh

Video by WellnessFX/YouTube

WellnessFX: Red Blood Cell Indices Part 2 with Bryan Walsh

Video by WellnessFX/YouTube

Blood Brain Barrier Endothelium

The blood-brain barrier keeps potentially toxic substances from entering the brain. The semipermeable membrane formed by the tightly spaced cells of capillaries in this area selectively screens out large molecules, while permitting the transport of essential nutrients such as glucose. The endothelium is the cellular lining of the blood vessel and is made up of endothelial cells connected to one another by tight junctions. These are the strongest cell-to-cell adhesions in the body. Toxic materials being transported in the blood are too large to pass through these junctions and exit the blood. Therefore, the brain is protected from exposure to many harmful substances. The barrier is does not, however, prevent fat-soluble materials from entering the brain; this includes alcohol and nicotine.

Image by TheVisualMD

Normal Blood Glucose Levels in Capillary

This image depicts a healthy capillary with normal glucose (pink) and insulin (yellow) levels. Capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in your body, are where nutrients are transferred from blood to cells, and waste from cells to blood. The body's cells depend on sugar in the blood, which is derived from carbohydrates, for food and energy. Allowing for the innumerable differences among individuals, the threshold for a normal blood-sugar (glucose) level in healthy people is 100 mg/dL; that is, 100 milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood. Lower-than-normal levels characterize hypoglycemia and higher than normal levels characterize hyperglycemia.

Image by TheVisualMD

Cross-Section of Healthy Capillary Blood Vessel with Normal Glucose and Insulin Levels

This image depicts a healthy capillary. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in your body and are where the transfer of nutrients from blood to cells and wastes from cells to the blood takes place.The cells of the body depend on sugar in the blood, derived from carbohydrates, for food and energy. Allowing for the innumerable differences among individuals, the threshold for a normal blood-sugar (glucose) level in healthy people is 100 mg/dL; that is, 100 milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood. Lower-than-normal levels characterize hypoglycemia and higher than normal levels hyperglycemia.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Vessels in the Brain

The Blood Brain Barrier and Astrocytes type 1

Image by Ben Brahim Mohammed

Cross-Section of Damaged Capillary Blood Vessel with Very High Glucose and Insulin Levels

This image depicts an unhealthy, damaged capillary with very high levels of insulin and glucose. Capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in your body, are where nutrients are transferred from blood to cells, and waste from cells to the blood The body's cells depend on sugar (glucose) in the blood, which is derived from carbohydrates, for food and energy. Without insulin, glucose is not able to enter cells to be used as fuel. Allowing for the innumerable differences among individuals, the threshold for a normal blood-sugar (glucose) level in healthy people is 100 mg/dL; that is, 100 milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood. Higher than normal levels lead to hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is the hallmark of prediabetes (between 100 and 125 mg/dL) and diabetes (126 mg/dL and higher). It is caused by either too little insulin being released by the pancreas or the body's inability to use insulin properly. Hyperglycemia leads to microangiopathy, marked by endothelial cell apoptosis (programmed cell death), accumulation of AGEs (advanced glycation end products), and thickening of the basement membrane, which can lead to development of lesions, vasoconstriction, and altered vessel function

Blood Components

This image highlights the vital components of blood: 55% plasma Plasma is the liquid river that transports every blood cell to its destination. Oxygen-carrying RBCs couldn't move through arteries, veins and capillaries without it. Even though it is a watery, almost clear fluid, plasma contains many important substances, including blood-clotting agents called platelets and protective proteins called antibodies which help us fight infection. When the clotting agents are removed from blood plasma, it is called serum, which is essential in many life-saving medical situations such as transplant surgery and trauma. <1% white blood cells (wbcs or leukocytes) Some leukocytes are produced in the bone marrow, while others are generated in lymph nodes scattered throughout the body. They are far less numerous than their sister RBCs, but leukocytes are the bedrock of the immune system and are the body's front line of defense. Different types of leukocytes fight infections in different ways. Some target bacterial or fungal infections, while others respond to parasitic threats or allergic reactions. <1% platelets Platelets perform the vital function of clotting blood at wound sites. They are small, even in comparison to the other cells of your blood, but they pack a wallop when it comes to healing a scrape or staunching a more serious wound. When you cut yourself shaving, platelets arrive on the scene like your personal emergency medical team, creating a natural bandage of clotted blood, which eventually forms a scab. 45% red blood cells rbcs or erythrocytes) RBCs are produced in the bone marrow and perform the fundamental task of delivering oxygen to all of the body's cells. The vial is an example of the hematocrit, one of many tests that make up the complete blood count (CBC). Hematocrit measures the volume of RBCs in your blood. A normal hematocrit reading for women is between 36 to 44 percent; for men it's 41 to 50 percent.

Image by TheVisualMD

Test Tube Containing Blood

Visualization of a test tube containing blood. Blood comprises of 55% plasma, 1% platelets and white blood cells, and 45% red blood cells.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Reduced Red Blood Cell Count

Individual blood cells were first detected and described in the 17th century. Later, red blood cells (RBCs) were counted manually from a blood smear, a thin film of blood prepared on a glass slide and examined under a microscope (blood analysis is now automated, though smears are still used to detect visible abnormalities and to check or confirm the results of other tests). Anemia results when there are too few RBCs in circulation because they are being destroyed too quickly or produced too slowly. Anemia can be temporary or long term and range from mild to severe. Folate (also known as vitamin B9) is necessary for red blood cell production and the prevention of anemia, as well as the metabolism of carbohydrates. But folate also plays key roles in the synthesis and maintenance of DNA and is especially important in cell division and growth in fetal development (deficiencies of the vitamin in pregnancy is a common cause of birth defects). Pernicious anemia is a disorder in which the body's loses its ability to utilize folate and vitamin B12.

Image by TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell in Capillary

The cardiovascular system is vast network of arteries, veins and vessels that would extend 60,000 miles if stretched end-to-end. All but a tiny fraction of this vessel network is invisible to the naked eye. The smallest capillaries (from latin "hairlike") are so narrow that red blood cells must pass through in single file. Higher than normal blood iron levels have been linked to heart disease and the reason is believed to be the oxidative stress the excess iron places on the walls of the blood vessels. It is the biological counterpart of rust. There are 20-30 trillion red blood cells (RBCs) in an adult's body. The life span of RBCs, which are produced in bone marrow, is about 100 days, which means that 2 million die (and are replaced) each second, but in that short lifetime they can make 75,000 round trips between lungs, heart and tissues in the body.

Image by TheVisualMD

Kidney and Stem Cell Creating Red Blood Cell. B12 is critical for the creation of red blood cells.

We are used to thinking of our kidneys mostly as hardworking filters that rid our bodies of wastes and excess water. But the kidneys are also constantly monitoring and adjusting levels of key substances in the blood, depending on what the body needs. Specialized cells in the kidney that are very sensitive to low oxygen levels, for example, produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which in turn promotes the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The boost in red blood cells increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Image by TheVisualMD

Healthy Capillary Blood Vessel

Cross-section of Healthy Capillary Blood Vessel with Normal Glucose and Insulin Levels

Cross-Section of Damaged Capillary Blood Vessel with Very High Glucose and Insulin Levels

1

2

3

Healthy Capillary Blood Vessel and and Damaged Capillary Blood Vessel Caused by High Levels of Blood Glucose

1) Healthy Capillary Blood Vessel - This image depicts a healthy capillary. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in your body. They can be so thin in diameter that blood cells have to bend in order to pass through. Capillaries are where the transfer of nutrients from the blood to cells, and the transfer of waste from cells to blood, takes place. In a healthy body, the blood vessels are smooth and elastic. 2) Cross-Section of Healthy Capillary Blood Vessel with Normal Glucose and Insulin Levels - This image depicts a healthy capillary. The body's cells depend on sugar in the blood, which is derived from carbohydrates, for food and energy. Allowing for the innumerable differences among individuals, the threshold for a normal blood sugar (glucose, pink) level in healthy people is 100 mg/dL; that is, 100 milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood. Lower-than-normal levels characterize hypoglycemia and higher-than-normal levels characterize hyperglycemia. Without insulin (yellow), glucose is not able to enter cells to be used as fuel. Because of this, healthy insulin levels are a key factor in keeping blood glucose levels normal. 3) Cross-Section of Damaged Capillary Blood Vessel with Very High Glucose and Insulin Levels - This image depicts an unhealthy, damaged capillary with very high levels of insulin and glucose. Higher than normal levels of blood glucose lead to hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is the hallmark of prediabetes (between 100 and 125 mg/dL) and diabetes (126 mg/dL and higher). It is caused by either too little insulin being released by the pancreas or the body's inability to use insulin properly. Hyperglycemia leads to microangiopathy, marked by endothelial cell apoptosis (programmed cell death), accumulation of AGEs (advanced glycation end products), and thickening of the basement membrane, which can lead to the development of lesions, vasoconstriction, and altered vessel function

Interactive by TheVisualMD

5:57

Microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemias | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

4:39

Non-megaloblastic Macrocytic Anemia

Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

9:42

Microcytic anemia | Hematologic System Diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

3:56

Living with and Managing Iron-Deficiency Anemia

NHLBI/YouTube

3:24

Hemolytic Anemia

DrER.tv/YouTube

3:16

Medical School - Anemia Made Easy

iMedicalSchool/YouTube

9:54

Iron deficency anemia diagnosis | Hematologic System Diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

9:02

RBC Indices

Pathology Simplified/YouTube

4:32

Anemia: Basic lab tests - hematocrit, hemoglobin, reticulocyte, MCV, morphology

retic20/YouTube

33:35

WellnessFX: Red Blood Cell Indices Part 1 with Bryan Walsh

WellnessFX/YouTube

28:05

WellnessFX: Red Blood Cell Indices Part 2 with Bryan Walsh

WellnessFX/YouTube

Blood Brain Barrier Endothelium

TheVisualMD

Normal Blood Glucose Levels in Capillary

TheVisualMD

Cross-Section of Healthy Capillary Blood Vessel with Normal Glucose and Insulin Levels

TheVisualMD

Blood Vessels in the Brain

Ben Brahim Mohammed

Cross-Section of Damaged Capillary Blood Vessel with Very High Glucose and Insulin Levels

Blood Components

TheVisualMD

Test Tube Containing Blood

TheVisualMD

Blood Smear Showing Reduced Red Blood Cell Count

TheVisualMD

Red Blood Cell in Capillary

TheVisualMD

Kidney and Stem Cell Creating Red Blood Cell. B12 is critical for the creation of red blood cells.

TheVisualMD

Healthy Capillary Blood Vessel and and Damaged Capillary Blood Vessel Caused by High Levels of Blood Glucose

TheVisualMD

C-Reactive Protein Test

C-Reactive Protein Test

Also called: CRP

A c-reactive protein test checks for inflammation in the body. Inflammation can be caused by infection, injury, or chronic disease.

C-Reactive Protein Test

Also called: CRP

A c-reactive protein test checks for inflammation in the body. Inflammation can be caused by infection, injury, or chronic disease.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
mg/L
10
Your result is Normal.
Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the lab and the method used for the test.
Related conditions
A CRP test may be used to find or monitor conditions that cause inflammation. These include:
- Bacterial infections, such as sepsis, a severe and sometimes life-threatening condition
- A fungal infection
- Inflammatory bowel disease, a disorder that causes swelling and bleeding in the intestines
- An autoimmune disorder such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- An infection of the bone called osteomyelitis
You may need this test if you have symptoms of a serious bacterial infection. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
If you've already been diagnosed with an infection or have a chronic disease, this test may be used to monitor your treatment. CRP levels rise and fall depending on how much inflammation you have. If your CRP levels go down, it's a sign that your treatment for inflammation is working.

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (20)

This browser does not support the video element.

Cardiovascular Inflammation

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. The most common cause of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory response in the walls of arteries that leads to the hardening of arterial walls and the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques, or atheromas. Although the process of inflammation can be beneficial in other parts of the body, chronic inflammation within arterial walls is problematic as it seems to promote this underlying growth of plaque. The combination of arterial inflammation and the growth of plaque can lead to the rupture of the plaque, and result in a blood clot. Blood clots can lead to dangerous conditions such as heart attack or stroke.

Video by TheVisualMD

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Molecule

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance made by the liver; infection and inflammation can trigger the release of CRP within hours. Elevated CRP levels are also seen after a heart attack or surgery. Levels can jump 1000-fold in response to acute inflammation, often rising before the appearance of pain, fever or other clinical symptoms. The high sensitivity version of the test (hs-CRP) measures the same molecule, but in very small amounts, and is used to assess the risk of heart disease in otherwise healthy people. The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a general test for inflammation in the body; it can indicate that inflammation is present, but cannot determine the location or cause. The test is sometimes used to monitor flare-ups of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. A version of the test called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is used to evaluate a person's risk for heart disease.

Image by TheVisualMD

C Reactive Protein: Liver and Heart

C-Reactive protein is synthesized by the liver in response to either signals from fat cells (adipocytes) or when there is inflammation throughout the body.

Image by TheVisualMD

Lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a), Heart Attack

LDL, HDL and total cholesterol have become standard biomarkers for heart disease. And yet half of all people who suffer heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels. For that reason, researchers have looked for other biomarkers that might help identify people at risk for cardiovascular disease. Lp(a) is a lipoprotein that closely resembles LDL, and like LDL, elevated levels of Lp(a) are associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Unlike LDL, however, Lp(a) levels are believed to be largely genetic.

Image by TheVisualMD

NBC Nightly News and C-Reactive Protein

Video by SAVI Health/YouTube

CRP Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

Video by NURSINGcom/YouTube

CRP And Homocysteine Inflammation Markers, How Do They Relate To Coronary Artery Disease? - Dr. Lyel

Video by EmpowHER/YouTube

CRP High Sensitivity Cardiac Risk Assessment from Walk-in Lab

Video by Walk-In Lab LLC/YouTube

What Can Give False Readings on an hs-CRP Test? : Health Tips

Video by ehowhealth/YouTube

CRP Indicates Heart Disease Risk Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital

Video by Brigham And Women's Hospital/YouTube

C Reactive Protein: Fat cells

Researchers have found that fat cells trigger the production of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is why individuals who are overweight or obese tend to have chronically higher levels of CRP. High levels of CRP are sometimes treated with aspirin or statins.

Image by TheVisualMD

C-reactive Protein, Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance made by the liver that is released into the bloodstream by inflammation. CRP levels also seem to be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the arteries. For this reason, a high sensitivity C-reactive protein test (hs-CRP) is increasingly ordered along with other tests as part of a cardiovascular risk profile (other components of the profile include cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, glucose levels, lifestyle and family history).

Image by TheVisualMD

C-reactive Protein, Fat cells

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance made by the liver that is released into the bloodstream by inflammation and infection as part of the body's immune response. Researchers have found, however, that fat cells also seem to trigger the production of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is why individuals who are overweight or obese tend to have chronically higher levels of CRP.

Image by TheVisualMD

What is C-Reactive Protein & How to Lower it? – Dr.Berg

Video by Dr. Eric Berg DC/YouTube

C-reactive protein

Video by University of Rochester Introductory Biochemistry (Bio250H)/YouTube

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Inflammation | Acute phase reactant

Video by Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

C-reactive protein

C-reactive protein drawn from PDB: 1GNH by JFW | T@lk

Image by User Jfdwolff on en.wikipedia/Wikimedia

1lj7

C-reactive protein homopentamer, Human

Image by Deposition authors: Ramadan, M.A., Shrive, A.K., Holden, D., Myles, D.A., Volanakis, J.E., DeLucas, L.J., Greenhough, T.J.; visualization author: User:Astrojan/Wikimedia

C Reactive Protein: Phagocytosis

Different white blood cells have specialized immune functions; certain WBCs, for example, are able to ingest harmful foreign particles, including pathogens, in a process called phagocytosis. CRP is believed to enhance this defense mechanism.

Image by TheVisualMD

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) blood test and what the results can mean

Video by Pathology Tests Explained/YouTube

4:26

Cardiovascular Inflammation

TheVisualMD

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Molecule

TheVisualMD

C Reactive Protein: Liver and Heart

TheVisualMD

Lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a), Heart Attack

TheVisualMD

2:33

NBC Nightly News and C-Reactive Protein

SAVI Health/YouTube

1:33

CRP Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

NURSINGcom/YouTube

2:12

CRP And Homocysteine Inflammation Markers, How Do They Relate To Coronary Artery Disease? - Dr. Lyel

EmpowHER/YouTube

1:51

CRP High Sensitivity Cardiac Risk Assessment from Walk-in Lab

Walk-In Lab LLC/YouTube

2:25

What Can Give False Readings on an hs-CRP Test? : Health Tips

ehowhealth/YouTube

3:37

CRP Indicates Heart Disease Risk Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital

Brigham And Women's Hospital/YouTube

C Reactive Protein: Fat cells

TheVisualMD

C-reactive Protein, Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease

TheVisualMD

C-reactive Protein, Fat cells

TheVisualMD

4:26

What is C-Reactive Protein & How to Lower it? – Dr.Berg

Dr. Eric Berg DC/YouTube

5:13

C-reactive protein

University of Rochester Introductory Biochemistry (Bio250H)/YouTube

12:14

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Inflammation | Acute phase reactant

Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

C-reactive protein

User Jfdwolff on en.wikipedia/Wikimedia

1lj7

Deposition authors: Ramadan, M.A., Shrive, A.K., Holden, D., Myles, D.A., Volanakis, J.E., DeLucas, L.J., Greenhough, T.J.; visualization author: User:Astrojan/Wikimedia

C Reactive Protein: Phagocytosis

TheVisualMD

1:39

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) blood test and what the results can mean

Pathology Tests Explained/YouTube

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test

Also called: ESR, Westergren sedimentation rate

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube. It can help detect inflammation in the body.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test

Also called: ESR, Westergren sedimentation rate

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube. It can help detect inflammation in the body.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
mm/h
5
22
40
Your result is Normal.
Normal results vary based on the laboratory and the method used.
Related conditions
Your health care provider may order an ESR if you have symptoms of an inflammatory disorder. These include:
- Headaches
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Joint stiffness
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
If your ESR is high, it may be related to an inflammatory condition, such as:
- Infection
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Rheumatic fever
- Vascular disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Certain cancers
Sometimes the ESR can be slower than normal. A slow ESR may indicate a blood disorder, such as:
- Polycythemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Leukocytosis, an abnormal increase in white blood cells
If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition that requires treatment. A moderate ESR may indicate pregnancy, menstruation, or anemia, rather than an inflammatory disease. Certain medicines and supplements can also affect your results. These include oral contraceptives, aspirin, cortisone, and vitamin A. Be sure to tell your health care provider about any drugs or supplements you are taking.

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (6)

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What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's response to damage. It takes many forms. Chronic inflammation is common in overweight and obese people, because their fat cells manufacture damaging substances that trigger a reaction from the immune system's white blood cells. Keeping track of a key biomarker for inflammation, C-reactive Protein or CRP, helps doctors determine whether an overweight patient is at risk for such conditions as heart disease, dementia, diabetes, cancers, and more.

Video by TheVisualMD

Asthma - Inflammation in the Airways

Asthma is a condition in which the airways of your lungs are chronically inflamed. Allergens or other triggers can cause the smooth muscle tissue that surrounds your airways to constrict (narrow). These triggers can also prompt an inflammatory response from the immune cells that line your airways, causing them to release an excessive amount of mucus. The constriction and the mucus narrow your airways, creating symptoms that can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.

Image by TheVisualMD

Mast Cell

Mast cells produce histamine. Histamine is known for its role in inflammation. It affects a variety of behavior patterns including the sleep-wake cycle and food intake. Antihistamines may work at odds with inflammation and depression.

Image by TheVisualMD

Subsiding Inflammation in blood vessels

Monocytes, having matured into macrophages continue to destroy pathogens and cellular debris by ingesting them, while the inflammation process begins to subside.

Image by TheVisualMD

Basophil

Visualization of a basophil. A type of leukocyte (white blood cell) responsible for combating infection.

Image by TheVisualMD

erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Westergren pipettes in automated StaRRsed ESR analyzer

Image by MechESR

1:57

What Is Inflammation?

TheVisualMD

Asthma - Inflammation in the Airways

TheVisualMD

Mast Cell

TheVisualMD

Subsiding Inflammation in blood vessels

TheVisualMD

Basophil

TheVisualMD

erythrocyte sedimentation rate

MechESR

Treatment

Bottle of Doxycycline

Image by NIAID

Bottle of Doxycycline

Capsules of the antibiotic doxycycline spill from a medication bottle. Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, are often prescribed after exposure to tickborne Lyme disease.

Image by NIAID

How Might Osteomyelitis Be Treated?

Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may also be needed to remove dead bone tissue. Surgical procedures may involve drainage of the infected area, removal of diseased bone and tissue, restoration of blood flow, or removal of foreign material.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (2)

How to treat osteomyelitis

Video by Medmastery/YouTube

Osteomyelitis Treatment

Video by Dentist Vienna/YouTube

7:06

How to treat osteomyelitis

Medmastery/YouTube

6:46

Osteomyelitis Treatment

Dentist Vienna/YouTube

Prognosis

Osteomyelitis

Image by James Heilman, MD

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis in both feet as seen on bone scan

Image by James Heilman, MD

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for People with Osteomyelitis?

When treatment is received, the outcome for acute osteomyelitis is usually good. The outlook is worse for chronic (long-term) osteomyelitis, even with surgery. Amputation may be needed, especially in diabetics or other patients with poor blood circulation. The outlook is guarded in those who have an infection of a prosthesis.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (3)

Bone Fracture - Types, Fracture Repair and Osteomyelitis

Video by Armando Hasudungan/YouTube

Leg amputation and life afterwards

Video by University Hospital Southampton/YouTube

Rehabilitation Following Amputation

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

7:54

Bone Fracture - Types, Fracture Repair and Osteomyelitis

Armando Hasudungan/YouTube

20:25

Leg amputation and life afterwards

University Hospital Southampton/YouTube

5:58

Rehabilitation Following Amputation

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

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Bone Infections

Like other parts of the body, bones can get infected. Osteomyelitis is the medical term for an infection in a bone. Bone infections are usually bacterial, but can also be fungal. Some symptoms include pain in the infected area, chills and fever, and swelling. Learn who's at risk for osteomyelitis and how these bone infections are diagnosed and treated.

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