Blood Counts
- Carry oxygen to the body
- Allow food to be used for energy
- Provide color to the skin and nail beds
Normal Level: 11–14
OK Level: Greater than 8
May need a blood transfusion: 8 or less
Special Care for Low Levels
- Watch for signs, such as feeling very tired with no energy, very irritable and pale cheeks and lips
- Watch for signs of a very low level, such as headaches, dizziness, fast heart rate or shortness of breath
- May need extra rest or rest periods
- May need a blood transfusion
- Prevent bleeding
- Help clotting with injury
Normal Level: 150,000 – 450,000
OK Level: Greater than 100,000
Low Level–Watch Closely: Less than 50,000
May need a platelet transfusion: 20,000 or less
Special Care for Low Levels
- Watch for signs of bleeding, such as:
- Easy or bad bruising
- Unusual bleeding (petechiae)
- Bleeding longer than normal
- Bleeding longer than normal with menstrual period
- Blood in urine, stool (poop) or vomit (throw up)
- Put pressure on area of bleeding for 5-20 minutes to stop it
- A type of white blood cell that fights bacterial infections
Normal Level: 1,500 – 3,500
OK Level: Greater than 1,000 (or 1.000)
Low Level (neutropenic): Less than 500 (or 0.5)
Special Care for Low Levels
- Watch for fever (call with temperature at 100.4° F or greater)
- Do not give Tylenol® for a fever, unless instructed
- Watch wounds for signs of infection, such as:
- Redness, tenderness, warmth, swelling, drainage
Blood Products and Transfusions
The decision to give your child a blood product (transfusion) is made on a case-by-case basis, depending on blood cell levels and your child’s diagnosis. If your child is due for a spinal tap or other procedure, such as surgery, a blood or platelets transfusion may be needed to make the procedure safer. If a transfusion is required, your child may go to the infusion center or to the inpatient unit to receive it.