The medical term haemogramme refers to a blood test that assesses the levels of various blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The word is spelled using the French spelling system, with the silent "h" at the beginning and the double "m" at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription for haemogramme is /heɪməɡræm/. This spelling reflects the Greek root words haima (meaning blood) and graphein (meaning to write), indicating the diagnostic nature of this type of blood test.
A haemogramme is a comprehensive laboratory test that provides a detailed analysis of the blood components and their proportions in an individual. It is commonly performed to assess various health conditions, monitor ongoing treatments, or detect abnormalities within the blood.
The haemogramme typically includes measuring the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, and their count, size, and shape can indicate conditions such as anaemia or blood disorders. White blood cells play a crucial role in the immune system's defense against infections, and their amounts can indicate various disease states or the presence of inflammation. Platelets are essential for proper blood clotting, and abnormalities in their number or function can indicate bleeding disorders.
In addition to the counts and proportions of these blood components, the haemogramme might also include other parameters, such as haemoglobin levels, which are indicators of the blood's ability to carry oxygen, as well as measures of the different types of white blood cells, providing more specific information regarding the immune system's function.
The haemogramme is usually performed by collecting a blood sample from a vein, and the results are interpreted by healthcare professionals who can identify any deviations from the normal ranges, detect potential health problems, or suggest appropriate treatments.
The word haemogramme derives from the combination of two Greek roots: haima meaning blood and gramma meaning something written or drawn.
The term haemogramme is primarily used in medical contexts and refers to a complete blood count (CBC) or a series of blood tests that analyze the different components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The word is often used in French-speaking countries as an alternative to complete blood count or blood profile.