COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT TEST
Complete Blood Count(CBC)
Definition
A complete blood count (CBC) is a common laboratory test that measures the cellular components of blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. It is often used as a general health check or to diagnose and monitor certain conditions or diseases.
The CBC test involves collecting a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in the arm, and analyzing it in a laboratory. It takes only a few minutes to perform and the results are usually available within a few hours.
There are several components of the CBC that are measured, including:
- Red blood cells (RBCs)
These cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells. RBCs are produced in the bone marrow and have a lifespan of about 120 days. The CBC measures the number of RBCs in the blood, as well as the amount of hemoglobin they contain. Abnormalities in RBCs can be indicative of anemia, a condition in which there are not enough RBCs or hemoglobin in the blood, or polycythemia, a condition in which there are too many RBCs.
- White blood cells (WBCs):
These cells are part of the immune system and help to protect the body against infections and other foreign substances. There are several different types of WBCs, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. The CBC measures the number and percentage of each type of WBC in the blood. Abnormalities in WBCs can be indicative of infections, inflammation, or certain types of cancer.
- Platelets:
Other components that may be measured in a CBC include the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which is the average size of the RBCs, and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), which is the average amount of hemoglobin in the RBCs.

There are several reasons why a healthcare provider might order a CBC. Some of the most common reasons include:
- To check for anemia: Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough RBCs or hemoglobin in the blood. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including bleeding, certain medications, or certain medical conditions. A CBC can help to diagnose anemia by measuring the number and size of the RBCs and the amount of hemoglobin they contain.
- To check for infection or inflammation: A CBC can help to diagnose infections or inflammation by measuring the number and types of WBCs in the blood. An increase in certain types of WBCs, such as neutrophils, may be indicative of an infection, while an increase in lymphocytes may be indicative of inflammation.
- To monitor certain medical conditions: A CBC may be used to monitor the progress of certain medical conditions, such as cancer or kidney disease. It can also be used to monitor the effects of certain medications on the blood.
- To check for bleeding disorders: A CBC can help to diagnose bleeding disorders by measuring the number of platelets in the blood. A decrease in platelets may be indicative of a bleeding disorder.

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