A complete blood test, also known as a complete blood count (CBC), is a common diagnostic test used to evaluate a person’s overall health status. This test measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, as well as various parameters that can provide valuable information about a person’s health.
A CBC is typically ordered by a healthcare provider during a routine physical examination or when a person is experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, or other signs of illness. It may also be ordered to monitor the progress of a known medical condition or to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment.
The CBC measures several different components of the blood, including:
Red blood cells (RBCs): These are the cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. A CBC can measure the number of RBCs present in the blood, as well as their size and shape.
Hemoglobin (Hb): Hemoglobin is a protein found in RBCs that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. A CBC can measure the amount of hemoglobin present in the blood.
Hematocrit (Hct): This is a measurement of the percentage of RBCs in the blood. It can be used to diagnose conditions such as anemia.
White blood cells (WBCs): These are cells that help fight infection and disease. A CBC can measure the number of WBCs present in the blood, as well as their different types.
Platelets: These are small cells that help the blood clot. A CBC can measure the number of platelets present in the blood.
In addition to these components, a CBC can also measure other parameters such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), which provide information about the size, shape, and color of the RBCs.
Interpreting the results of a CBC requires knowledge of the normal ranges for each component, which can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and overall health status. Your healthcare provider will be able to explain the results of your CBC and how they relate to your individual health status.
Overall, a CBC is a valuable diagnostic tool that can provide important information about a person’s health status. If you have concerns about your health or are experiencing symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if a CBC or other diagnostic test is appropriate for you.
