What are blasts in the blood count?
When we perform a complete blood count, it is common to come across terms and values that we do not always understand completely. One of these terms is “blasts”. But after all, what are blasts in the blood count?
Blastos are immature cells found in the blood. They are produced in the bone marrow and are the precursors of mature blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Why are the blasts important in the blood count?
The presence of blasts in the blood count may indicate the presence of a condition called leukemia. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects blood cells and can lead to excessive production of blasts.
It is important to note that the presence of blasts in the blood count is not necessarily a sign of leukemia. There are other conditions, such as serious infections or bone marrow disorders, which can also lead to increased blasts.
How is blast count on blood count?
Blasto count on the blood count is performed by a hematologist, who analyzes a blood sample in a laboratory. The number of blasts is expressed as a percentage of the total nucleated cells present in the blood.
Usually, the number of blasts in the blood of a healthy adult is very low, usually less than 5%. When the number of blasts exceeds this value, it is necessary to investigate the cause of this increase.
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment for the presence of blasts in the blood count depends on the underlying cause. If diagnosed leukemia, the patient will be referred to an oncology specialist who will indicate the most appropriate treatment.
The prognosis for patients with blasts in the blood count varies according to the cause and stage of the disease. It is important to seek medical attention and follow all guidelines to get the best possible result.