About Your Bloodwork

Blood tests provide doctors with useful information about a person's body. The doctor may order several different blood tests to get a clear picture of how well a person's organs and immune system are working, how much a particular medication is in a person's blood, and how to follow the progress of cancer.

Blood samples can be taken from a person's arm or hand or from a plastic catheter that has been placed in his/her vein for chemotherapy. The most common of these catheters is the Groshong Catheter. If you would like more information about internal catheters, please ask the nurses.

What test is being drawn during radiation treatments?

Almost all patients receiving radiation treatments will have their blood drawn once a week. The test that is being performed is called the COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT or CBC. It requires a small amount of blood yet provides the doctor and nurses with very important and useful information.

What does the CBC test for?

The CBC provides useful information about the basic components that make up the blood. The blood is made of three elements: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is also made of plasma, which is the fluid that carries the above elements. Our blood is made in the bone marrow-the inner port of our bones. The major blood producing bones are the sternums, long bones of the arms and legs, and the large pelvis bones.

RED BLOOD CELLS.

Blood is vital for your body to function. Blood moves throughout your body to provide it with essential nutrients. The red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen to the tissues, organs and cells of your body. When the red blood cells are low, the person is said to be anemic. Radiation treatments to the bones of the body may cause some people to become anemic. Anemia can be treated with medication or blood transfusions. In addition to finding anemia through the CBC, a person may have the following symptoms as well: Extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale, cold skin

WHITE BLOOD CELLS.

White blood cells are an important part of our immune system. The immune system is our defense against infection. White blood cells fight infection by rushing to the area of the body infected and to wage war against the bacteria or viruses causing the infection. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can affect the bone marrow in a way that the total white blood cell count is decreased. A person with only a few white blood cells is at risk for developing a serious infection. Patients receiving treatment may have their CBC tested repeatedly to watch the white blood cell count. It is important for all people receiving radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection. A glass or electronic thermometer is needed to monitor temperature. The following are the common signs and symptoms of infection: Fever greater than 101.0, chills Sore throat Burning with urination Yellow/green sputum Pus or colored drainage from treatment site, wound or catheter insertion site

Steps to Take to Prevent Infection if blood count is low.

If the white blood cell count is low, some steps to take to reduce the risk of infection are:

• Wear a mask to protect you from others
  
  
• Stay home and rest, let others do the shopping
  
  
• Do not eat raw fruits/vegetables because they can carry fungi
  
  
• Do not have flowers and plants in room because they can also carry bacteria/fungi

PLATELETS.

The role of the platelets is to clot your blood when you are bleeding. Like the red and white blood cells, the platelets can be reduced when a person is receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In addition to the CBC results showing the platelets as low, the following symptoms may occur: severe bruising, active bleeding from the gums, nose, bladder, bowel or vagina, or prolonged bleeding

Safety measures to minimize bleeding or risk of bleeding if platelet count is low

• Avoid the use of sharp objects such as knives and razors
  
  
• Avoid enemas, injections and rectal temperatures
  
  
• Apply direct pressure for 5 minutes to all needle puncture sites
  
  
• Use a bowel program that prevents constipation
  
  
• Avoid straining with bowel movements or blowing nose
  
  
• Use a soft toothbrush and gentle friction for mouth care
  
  
• Avoid flossing the teeth
  
  
• Use assistive devices (canes/walkers) when walking, if needed.

If you have any questions or would like a copy of your CBC count, please ask the nurses.