Complete blood count

Complete blood count

The complete blood count is one of the most commonly performed medical tests. It indicates the counts of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. It also indicates the concentration of hemoglobin, and the hematocrit. The results are interpreted by comparing them to reference ranges. It can be used to monitor health or diagnose diseases like anemia.

About Complete blood count in brief

Summary Complete blood countThe complete blood count is one of the most commonly performed medical tests. The CBC indicates the counts of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. It also indicates the concentration of hemoglobin, and the hematocrit. The red blood cell indices indicate the average size and hemoglobin content. The results are interpreted by comparing them to reference ranges. It can be used to monitor health or diagnose diseases like anemia or thrombocytopenia. It is performed using basic laboratory equipment or an automated hematology analyzer. People who have been diagnosed with disorders that may cause abnormal CBC results or who are receiving treatments that can affect blood cell counts may have a regular CBC performed to monitor their health. The test is often performed before a person undergoes blood or platelet transfusion. The blood count has specific applications in many medical specialties. In emergency medicine, the CBC is used to investigate numerous symptoms, such as abdominal fever, shortness of breath, and to assess bleeding and trauma. Regular CBCs are necessary for some people who are taking some medications that suppress the production of whiteBlood cells, platelets, or hemoglobin. In some cases, the blood count can produce severely low levels of white Blood Cells, which can lead to blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants. The white blood cell differential can help to diagnose viral, bacterial and parasitic infections and blood disorders like leukemia.

It may also help to detect anemia, ensure that platelet levels are sufficient for surgery, as well as after surgery, so that blood loss can be monitored and screen for emergency medicine. In the U.S., the CBC can be performed before some people undergoes transfusions of platelet or blood transfusion to prevent blood clotting problems. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In Europe, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. In Australia, the National suicide prevention Lifeline is in operation from October 1 to November 1. For information on suicide prevention in the UK, visit www.sophistication.org/. In the United States, go to the national suicide prevention helpline on 1 800 273 8255. For more information about suicide prevention and support in the United Kingdom, visit the Samaritans on their site or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 08457 909090 or the National Suicide Prevention lifeline on 8457 909090. For details on how to get involved in the Lifeline, visit the Samaritans page and the British Samaritans. For information on how to get involved in the Lifelines, see www.samarsitans.com.