Blood cell count

Blood cell count is a medical laboratory test that measures the number of blood cells in a given volume of blood. This test is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions, including anemia, infection, and leukemia. Blood cell count is typically part of a complete blood count (CBC), which provides detailed information about the different types of blood cells present in the blood.

Types of Blood Cells

Blood cells are broadly categorized into three main types:

• Red blood cells (RBCs) - These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation.
• White blood cells (WBCs) - These cells are part of the immune system and help the body fight infections and other diseases.
• Platelets - These cell fragments play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A complete blood count (CBC) is a comprehensive test that includes the following measurements:

• Red blood cell count (RBC count)
• White blood cell count (WBC count)
• Hemoglobin level
• Hematocrit level
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
• Platelet count

Clinical Significance

Abnormal blood cell counts can indicate a variety of health issues:

• **High RBC count**: May indicate polycythemia vera, dehydration, or heart disease.
• **Low RBC count**: Often associated with anemia, bone marrow disorders, or chronic kidney disease.
• **High WBC count**: Can be a sign of infection, inflammation, leukemia, or stress.
• **Low WBC count**: May suggest bone marrow failure, autoimmune diseases, or the effects of certain medications.
• **High platelet count**: Known as thrombocytosis, can be caused by inflammatory conditions, cancer, or iron deficiency.
• **Low platelet count**: Known as thrombocytopenia, can result from bone marrow disorders, viral infections, or autoimmune diseases.

Procedure

The blood cell count is typically performed using an automated analyzer, which counts and categorizes the cells in a blood sample. The procedure involves: 1. Drawing a blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm. 2. Placing the sample in a test tube containing an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. 3. Analyzing the sample using an automated machine that provides a detailed report of the blood cell counts.

Related Pages

• Complete blood count
• Red blood cell count
• White blood cell count
• Platelet count
• Hemoglobin
• Hematocrit
• Mean corpuscular volume
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration