CBC, or Complete Blood Count, is a common blood test that provides information about various components of blood. This analysis is done to evaluate overall health status, diagnose medical conditions, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
The CBC test typically includes the following measurements:
Red Blood Cells (RBC): This measures the number of red blood cells in the blood, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Low RBC count may indicate anemia, while high RBC count can be a sign of dehydration or a lung disease.
Hemoglobin (Hb): Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin levels may indicate anemia, while high levels can indicate dehydration.
Hematocrit (Hct): This measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Low hematocrit levels may indicate anemia, while high levels can indicate dehydration.
White Blood Cells (WBC): This measures the number of white blood cells in the blood, which helps the body fight infection. High WBC count may indicate an infection or inflammation, while low WBC count may indicate a weakened immune system.
Platelets: These are tiny cells in the blood that help with blood clotting. Low platelet count may indicate bleeding disorders, while high platelet count can indicate a blood clotting disorder.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): This measures the average size of red blood cells. High MCV can be a sign of anemia due to vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, while low MCV can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): This measures the amount of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell. High MCH can be a sign of anemia due to vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, while low MCH can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): This measures the concentration of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell. Low MCHC can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): This measures the variation in size of red blood cells. High RDW can indicate anemia.
CBC analysis can provide valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions such as anemia, infections, blood disorders, and certain types of cancer. It is a simple and routine blood test that can be done in a doctor’s office or a laboratory. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about CBC analysis and its role in managing your health.
