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Published on: Nov 10, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Hemogram

A hemogram can tell you a lot about your blood. For instance, red and white blood cells, as well as platelets (also called thrombocytes), will be counted and examined for size, shape, volume, and degree of organization. Specific factors that may affect these parameters include a total number of erythrocyte progenitor stem cells; RBC membrane stiffness; frequency of RBC production; distribution and frequency of phagocytosis (cellular breakdown); distribution and type of leukocytes (white blood cells) in circulation; vitamin deficiencies like folic acid or B12 deficiency. The number of toxic substances such as lead poisoning can also be analyzed from a hemogram.

Your hemoglobin levels should be high and your white cell count should be low. It's very important to have a blood test done when you're pregnant to make sure that you don't have any type of disease that the blood could transmit to the baby through the placenta, such as hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, or other diseases.

It's also important when giving birth if one is Rh-negative and hasn't been vaccinated against it (if they can't remember their past). If they were exposed in pregnancy and gave birth with an Rh-positive partner, there's a chance for their newborn baby to receive too many RBCs from mom and develop jaundice/anemia;

A hemogram is a blood test that measures the hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, and other substances in the blood (such as total protein and red blood cells). Hemograms can be differential or comprehensive. Comprehensive: performs a complete analysis of all forms of an organism's entire circulating cellular mass. Differential: analyzes two sources from one specimen- for example, plasma and white cells, platelets and red cells, prothrombin time combined with partial thromboplastin time (PTT), D-dimer level with complete lipid profile to provide a clear diagnosis of possible metabolic liver problems.

A blood count measures the number of each type of cell found in one cubic millimeter (1/10th of a teaspoon) or 500 microliters (a little less than half a cup) of whole blood. The numbers are reported as cells per cubic millimeter, so you need to know how many millions there are to divide by 10 to get the actual headcount. In this way, for example, someone under 20 could have 1.0x1012 neutrophils and have a CBC that says they have 10x109 neutrophils per cubic millimeter."

The blood count may reveal, for example, an abnormally high number of red blood cells (confirmatory diagnosis) or determinations made by routine inspection that are not obvious without the additional information present in the hemogram. A hemogram is typically conducted to investigate an abnormal indication on a CBC. For instance, if you have very low white counts and no cause for this can be determined using other lab tests like a peripheral smear or bone marrow biopsy, it's possible that your doctor will perform a complete hemogram. Most often abnormalities are seen on the CBC.

When you're involved in extreme sports like skateboarding, your chances of getting injured are much greater than if you're at the pool or sipping tea. Hematoma is a condition that usually arises from some form of blunt force or direct trauma-related injury to the muscles and/or bones due to the high blood vessels around those areas. This injury can cause swelling which creates pressure on these vessels causing red blood cells to either leak into the soft tissue, tissues fluids, or even lead to a blocked flow of fresh oxygenated blood through these vessels if not treated promptly with an incision.

A hematocrit test analyzes the volume of red blood cells in one cubic millimeter of blood. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from tissues and organs. The more severely an individual is afflicted with anemia, the lower the percentage of red blood cells they would have in one cubic millimeter of their own cardiac tissue.

If you endure a deep cut on your arm, your body will release stress hormones such as cortisol or epinephrine that prepare your immune system for increased levels of intense activity. These types of stress hormones also trigger a large release of iron from storage sites on red blood cells so that enough iron is available to help form new erythrocytes.

A haemogram is a study of the cellular inclusions in one's blood based on their shape, color, size, and specific gene expression. This process involves pumping a person's blood through a machine (this machine includes some spinning disks that separate out each type of cell for study). However, this test is not commonly done. Instead, analysis is usually limited to basic counts of red and white blood cells as well as platelets.

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Numbness in Hands and Feet: Common Causes, Warning Signs and When to Act

Numbness in the hands and feet is a symptom many people experience at some point, often after sitting or sleeping in an awkward position. While temporary numbness is usually harmless, persistent or recurring symptoms can indicate underlying health issues. Understanding numbness in hands and feet is important because it often reflects nerve, nutritional or circulation problems that require timely attention.

In India, rising rates of diabetes, vitamin deficiencies and sedentary lifestyles have made numbness a frequently reported symptom across age groups.

What Is Numbness?

Numbness refers to reduced or lost sensation in a part of the body.

It may feel like:

tingling or pins and needles
burning or crawling sensation
reduced touch sensitivity
weakness or heaviness

These sensations are medically referred to as paresthesia.

Why Hands and Feet Are Commonly Affected

Hands and feet contain:

long peripheral nerves
smaller blood vessels

These structures are more vulnerable to damage from:

metabolic disorders
nutritional deficiencies
compression or injury

This makes distal body parts the first to show symptoms.

Common Causes of Numbness in Hands and Feet

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord.

It causes:

numbness
tingling
burning pain

Diabetes is the most common cause in India, as noted by ICMR studies.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health.

Deficiency leads to:

numbness and tingling
balance issues
fatigue

NFHS-5 data shows widespread vitamin B12 deficiency among Indian adults.

Diabetes and Blood Sugar Imbalance

High blood sugar damages nerve fibers over time.

Diabetic neuropathy often starts in:

toes
soles
fingers

Early detection prevents progression.

Poor Blood Circulation

Reduced blood flow deprives nerves of oxygen.

This may be caused by:

peripheral artery disease
smoking
high cholesterol

Circulatory numbness often worsens in cold conditions.

Nerve Compression and Posture Issues

Prolonged pressure on nerves can cause numbness.

Examples include:

carpal tunnel syndrome
cervical spine problems
prolonged sitting with crossed legs

Posture correction often improves symptoms.

Spinal Disorders

Conditions affecting the spine can compress nerves.

These include:

slipped disc
cervical spondylosis
spinal stenosis

Symptoms may radiate to hands or feet.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions

Some autoimmune diseases attack nerves.

Examples include:

rheumatoid arthritis-related neuropathy
lupus

Early diagnosis is important to prevent nerve damage.

Infections and Systemic Diseases

Certain infections and systemic illnesses may cause nerve symptoms.

These include:

tuberculosis
thyroid disorders
chronic kidney disease

ICMR reports note neuropathy as a secondary symptom in many chronic illnesses.

Temporary vs Persistent Numbness

Temporary numbness:

resolves within minutes
often due to pressure or posture

Persistent numbness:

lasts weeks or months
indicates underlying pathology

Duration is an important diagnostic clue.

Warning Signs That Should Not Be Ignored

Seek medical evaluation if numbness:

is persistent or worsening
affects both sides symmetrically
is associated with weakness
interferes with walking or grip
is accompanied by pain or balance issues

These signs suggest nerve damage.

How Numbness Is Diagnosed

Evaluation may include:

detailed medical history
neurological examination
blood tests for deficiencies
blood sugar testing
nerve conduction studies
imaging when required

Diagnosis focuses on identifying treatable causes.

Impact on Daily Life

Chronic numbness can affect:

fine motor skills
balance and coordination
work performance
sleep quality

Untreated symptoms increase injury and fall risk.

Treatment Depends on the Cause

Treatment is tailored to the underlying condition.

Examples include:

vitamin supplementation
blood sugar control
physical therapy
posture correction
medications for nerve pain

Early treatment improves outcomes.

Role of Nutrition in Nerve Health

Adequate intake of:

vitamin B12
vitamin B6
folate
iron

supports nerve repair and function.

Balanced diets reduce neuropathy risk.

Lifestyle Measures to Reduce Numbness

Helpful habits include:

regular physical activity
avoiding prolonged pressure on limbs
quitting smoking
maintaining healthy blood sugar

Lifestyle changes support nerve recovery.

Importance of Preventive Health Checkups

Routine screening helps detect:

diabetes
vitamin deficiencies
thyroid disorders

Early detection prevents permanent nerve damage.

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical advice is essential when numbness:

persists beyond a few days
worsens over time
affects daily activities

Delaying evaluation increases risk of irreversible damage.

Conclusion

Numbness in hands and feet is more than a minor inconvenience when it becomes frequent or persistent. It often signals nerve damage, vitamin deficiency, diabetes or circulation problems that require attention. Early identification of the cause, timely treatment and lifestyle modification can prevent progression and restore sensation. Paying attention to these warning signs is a critical step toward protecting long-term nerve health and overall wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Neuropathy and Diabetes Studies
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Vitamin Deficiency Data
World Health Organization (WHO) – Neurological Disorders and Nerve Health
Lancet – Peripheral Neuropathy and Metabolic Disease Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease and Preventive Care Reports
Statista – Neuropathy and Chronic Disease Trends

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