Complete Blood Count
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a blood test used to look at overall health and find a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, and leukemia. A complete blood count (CBC) can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. Those changes might point to a medical condition that calls for more testing. A complete blood count test measures the following: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen. White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells Hematocrit is the number of red blood cells in the blood. Platelets, which help the blood clot A complete blood count blood test is done for many reasons: To look at overall health: A complete blood count can be part of a medical exam to check overall health and to look for conditions such as anemia or leukemia. To diagnose a medical condition: A complete blood count can help find the cause of symptoms such as weakness, fever, and fatigue. It also can help find the cause of swelling and pain, bruising, or bleeding. To check on a medical condition: A complete blood count can help verify the conditions that affect blood cell counts and helps to keep a close eye on treatment with medicines that affect the radiation and blood cell counts. What happens during a CBC Test? During a CBC Test, a lab technician will collect blood from a vein, typically from the inside of your elbow or from the back of your hand. The test…