Hematology
20 markers in this category
Basophils
Basophils are the least common white blood cells and play a role in allergic and inflammatory responses, partly by releasing histamine. As part of your complete blood count, they are normally present in small numbers. A raised count is uncommon and, especially as you get older, is reviewed together with your other values.
Blood Type + Rh
A blood type test determines your ABO blood group and Rh factor. Knowing your blood type is essential for safe blood transfusions, organ transplants, and pregnancy planning.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates the major components of your blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests and provides a broad overview of your overall health.
Coombs Test (Indirect)
Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles. Your kidneys filter creatinine from the blood. The creatinine value in blood can show how well your kidneys are doing this job. As you age, both muscle mass and kidney function change. This means your creatinine value may shift over time. Your doctor will review the result alongside other kidney values. The information on this page is intended as general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss your results with a doctor.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils are white blood cells involved in allergic reactions and the defence against parasites. As part of your complete blood count, they can offer clues about allergies or asthma. A raised count is often seen with allergic complaints or a parasitic infection, while a low count is usually not a concern. Your doctor reviews the value in context.
Erythrocytes (RBC)
Creatinine in urine helps assess how well your kidneys are working. Your kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and excrete it through urine. The urine creatinine value combined with the blood creatinine value gives a clearer picture of your kidney function. Muscle mass and age may affect excretion levels. Your doctor will always review the result alongside other kidney values. The information on this page is intended as general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss your results with a doctor.
Haptoglobin
A haptoglobin test measures the level of haptoglobin protein in your blood. Haptoglobin binds to free hemoglobin released from damaged red blood cells, and its levels can help assess whether red blood cells are being destroyed faster than normal.
Hematocrit
Hematocrit monitoring becomes increasingly valuable with age, as changes in blood composition can affect energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Regular testing supports the early detection of anemia and dehydration, common concerns in seniors.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin monitoring is particularly valuable for seniors, as age-related changes can affect red blood cell production and iron metabolism. Regular testing supports early detection of anemia, helping maintain energy, cognitive clarity, and quality of life.
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a laboratory technique that separates and identifies different types of hemoglobin in your blood. It is primarily used to detect hemoglobin variants and diagnose inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
Irregular Antibody Screening
An irregular antibody screening test detects unexpected antibodies in your blood that may react against foreign red blood cells. These antibodies can develop after transfusions, pregnancies, or immune stimulation and are important to identify for transfusion and pregnancy safety.
Leukocyte Differential
LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) is an enzyme found in virtually all tissues of your body. When cells are damaged, more LDH may be released into the blood. The LDH value can therefore be an indication of tissue damage. As you age, your tissues' repair capacity may change. Your doctor will always review the result alongside other values to get a clear picture. The information on this page is intended as general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss your results with a doctor.
Leukocytes (WBC)
White blood cell monitoring is especially relevant for seniors, as immune function naturally changes with age. Regular testing helps detect infections early and ensures your immune system remains capable of protecting your health as you age.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are white blood cells central to your defence against viruses and to immune memory. As you get older, the make-up of immune defence can change. A high count often fits a viral infection, while a low count can occur with stress or certain infections. Your doctor reviews the value in context.
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
MCV is a particularly useful marker for seniors, as nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate become more common with age. Monitoring MCV helps identify these deficiencies early, supporting cognitive health, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
Monocytes
Monocytes are the largest white blood cells and part of your complete blood count. They clear away dead cells and pathogens and turn into macrophages in your tissues. As you get older, low-grade inflammation can become more common. A raised count often fits a chronic infection, inflammation or recovery after an infection, while a low count is less common.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are the most common white blood cells and your first defence against bacterial infections. As you get older, immune defence can gradually change. A high count often fits an infection or inflammation, while a low count can leave you more vulnerable. Your doctor reviews it together with the rest of your blood count.
Platelets (Thrombocytes)
Platelet monitoring becomes increasingly important with age, as changes in platelet function can affect both bleeding risk and clotting tendency. Regular testing supports the safe management of medications and helps detect age-related blood conditions early.
RDW
RDW shows how much your red blood cells vary in size. Anaemia becomes more common as you get older and can go unnoticed for some time. A raised RDW can be an early clue to a shortage of iron, vitamin B12 or folate, often before other values change.
Reticulocytes
A reticulocyte count measures the number of young, immature red blood cells in your blood. It reflects how actively your bone marrow is producing new red blood cells and is a valuable indicator of bone marrow function.