Description
Why It’s Done
The Hemogram is performed for many diagnostic and monitoring purposes, including:
1. General Health Check-Up
o To assess overall health as part of a routine medical examination.
2. Diagnosing Conditions
o Anemia: Low hemoglobin or RBC count
o Infections: Elevated WBC count
o Leukemia or blood cancers: Abnormal WBC counts or morphology
o Bleeding or clotting disorders: Low platelet count
3. Monitoring Medical Conditions
o Used to monitor conditions like chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, and blood disorders over time.
4. Evaluating Symptoms
o Helps investigate causes of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, bruising, or weight loss.
5. Pre-surgical Evaluation
o To ensure the patient’s blood levels are stable before undergoing surgery.
6. Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness
o Tracks how treatments like chemotherapy or medications affect blood cell counts.
Preparation
The Hemogram/FBE is a simple blood test and requires minimal preparation:
1. Fasting:
o Not required in most cases.
o If the test is part of a broader health panel (including blood sugar or cholesterol), fasting for 8–12 hours might be needed.
2. Medications:
o Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you’re taking. Certain drugs may affect blood cell counts.
3. Hydration:
o Being well-hydrated can make the blood draw easier, especially for individuals with small or difficult veins.
4. Menstrual Status:
o In women, menstrual bleeding can temporarily affect hemoglobin levels. Inform your doctor if you’re on your period.
5. Sample Collection:
o A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually from the arm, and sent to the laboratory for analysis
