Complete blood count

Also called blood cell count, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a blood test frequently performed to evaluate the overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, and leukemia. This comprehensive test measures several components and features of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Complete blood count and differential

Example of a Complete Blood Count

Complete blood count CBC diagram

Components of a Complete Blood Count

Red Blood Cells (RBC)

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The CBC measures the quantity of red blood cells, their size and shape (RBC indices), and the concentration of hemoglobin within the cells.

White Blood Cells (WBC)

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are an essential part of the immune system and help fight infections. The CBC measures the total number of white blood cells and sometimes the percentages of different types of white blood cells.

Platelets

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting. The CBC measures the number of platelets in the blood.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells that carries oxygen. The CBC measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, which can indicate whether you have anemia or polycythemia.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is the ratio of the volume of red cells to the total volume of blood. A low or high hematocrit can be a sign of several conditions, including dehydration, anemia, or bone marrow problems.

Uses of Complete Blood Count

The CBC is used for a variety of diagnostic purposes. These include evaluating overall health, diagnosing disorders such as anemia or infection, monitoring diseases such as leukemia or kidney disease, and monitoring medical treatment that may affect blood cells.

Procedure

The CBC is a simple blood test. A healthcare provider will draw a small amount of blood from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Conclusion

The Complete Blood Count is a critical diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about the cells in your blood. It can help your healthcare provider detect a variety of disorders and monitor your health over time.