Blood test basics
Kleines Blutbild
In one sentence
A kleines Blutbild is the basic blood count. It contains eight values: red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, the red cell measures MCV, MCH and MCHC, platelets, and white blood cells as one total number.
A kleines Blutbild is the standard basic blood count and part of almost every routine blood test at a German practice. It contains eight values. Erythrozyten are your red blood cells. Hämoglobin is the red pigment inside them that binds oxygen. Hämatokrit is the share of your blood made of cells. MCV, MCH and MCHC describe the size of your red cells and how well they are filled. Thrombozyten are your platelets, which seal wounds. Leukozyten are all your white blood cells counted as one total.
Doctors order it as a first look at anaemia, infections or clotting questions. If the white cell total looks off, the next step is often the Differentialblutbild, which splits the white cells into their five types. Both together make the großes Blutbild.
Like the big version, the kleines Blutbild only looks at cells. Cholesterol, blood sugar, vitamins, hormones and organ values are separate tests. Each value comes with a Referenzbereich from the laboratory, and single small deviations are common and usually harmless.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat or rule out any condition. Discuss your own results with a clinician who knows your history.
