Monitoring COVID 19 Using Hematology Analyzer Testing

When we think of testing for the COVID-19 virus, we often associate it with PCR and antigen/antibody testing tests. However, these tests are done to see if you have the virus in your system. 

What about if you are infected with the covid virus? How do you know about the status of your health and body? Monitoring the virus in your body becomes crucial to help you defeat the virus and bring your body back to its healthy normal.

While many health care professionals have been looking into vaccines to help the body gain immunity against the virus, those infected with the COVID-19 virus have to battle the virulent foreign invaders with their natural immunity.

Monitoring COVID-19 Virus 

The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has affected millions of people worldwide. It is both fortunate and tragic since a considerable number of people have been infected. This means we have enough data and information. Many health care professionals have used various treatments by monitoring the virus and how it affects the body.  

To monitor how our body is responding to the attack, tests like hematology analyzers are used.

What is a hematology Analyzer?

A hematology analyzer is a test used to count and identify blood cells at a swift speed and with high accuracy. 

Hematology analyzers are used to run tests like blood levels, complete blood counts, and various analyses from the blood sample. 

Why a hematology test?

A hematology test is basically a blood test. Doctors usually conduct hematology tests to check the blood count as it reveals the patient's health status. There is a certain range of blood count numbers for a normal healthy human being. When the number falls below or too high, this tells us that the individual is not healthy or is sick. 

 As we know, blood consists of three types: the Red Blood cells (RBC), the white blood cells (WBC), and the platelets.

• Each blood cell with its own set of functions.
• Your RBCs help transports oxygen throughout your body.
• While your WBCs are a part of your immune system, it helps fight against infection and disease and,
• Platelets form blood clots that prevent bleeding from cuts and help you heal.

How does the hematology analyzer test monitors for COVID 19?

The covid-19 virus infects the body and compromises the immune system of the infected. The overall functioning of the body becomes affected as it undergoes survival modes. All the metabolic processes and energy are focused on repairing the infected part, which requires more work than before. The human body goes into overdrive trying to fight the invading virus.   

As we know that one of the common symptoms of covid 19 disease is breathlessness, and most infected people undergo intubation to help breathe. This is caused by the virus attacking the lungs. The lungs are responsible for functioning as airbags for oxygen to help us breathe. 

Why are lungs and red blood cells important in monitoring COVID-19 virus?

Lungs help allow the storage and air sacs of oxygen in the body, and the red blood cells are responsible for transporting the oxygen throughout the body.

When the COVID-19 virus infects the body, it damages the alveoli (the tiny air sacs). Alveoli help support bronchial tubes, which help exchange gas, like inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide. 

The lungs are the most affected organ by the COVID-19 virus.  

There is a need for hematology test to check the vitals for the lung.

A hematology test becomes necessary to monitor the lungs and the RBC count. 

When the alveoli are damaged, the bronchial tubes collapse, which causes blockage of air exchange. The red blood cells are also unable to carry and transport oxygen. This further affects the patient infected with the covid virus, unable to breathe or have enough oxygen in the body. 

RBC counts are important even if there isn't any or extensive damage to the alveoli. A low number of red blood cells means there is less carrier of oxygen present, which is not good.

WBC Count important in fighting off Covid-19 Virus 

White blood cells are also known as leukocytes, are the body's natural defense system. A large count of WBC is healthy and essential in keeping a body fit and falling sick.  

The COVID-19 virus is a foreign invading organism that attacks the human body like fighting off other disease-carrying pathogens. The WBCs attack and fight these viruses and germs as a part of the immune system.

The WBCs detect any germs/ pathogens and kill them by creating antibodies for that particular infection. These antibodies become embedded in the memory cells and a part of the body's immune response for any attacks in the future. In other words, the next time, your body remembers the virus and kills it more swiftly and effectively.

A low count of these WBC means there is less defense and fighting armies against the virus. Closely monitoring the counts of WBC becomes very important in fighting the COVID-19 virus.

The human body also requires a high WBC count to keep the immune system strong to prevent further infection from the virus to other parts of the body. Having a good WBC count becomes essential for survival.

Covid affects the cardiovascular system.

Many cases of those infected with the COVID-19 virus show significant damage to the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system consists of veins, blood vessels and arteries, which are all blood pathways. Any damage or obstructions to the system means severe damage to the whole physiological process in the human body.

Experts have observed that the virus also affects the cardiovascular organs severely. So, keeping track of the vascular (blood) system becomes crucial for those battling COVID-19 virus infection.

To monitor the COVID-19 virus in the body, hematology tests become essential. These tests will give a status report on the functioning of the body. It also shows the extent of infection and how severe the virus has infected the body.