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 will take only a few minutes. The technician:

• Cleans your skin with an antiseptic wipe
• Places an elastic band, or tourniquet, around your upper arm to help the vein swell with blood
• Inserts a needle in your vein and collect a blood sample in one or more vials
• Removes the elastic band
• Covers the area with a bandage to stop any bleeding
• Place a barcode on your blood sample vial and send them to a lab for analysis

A blood test can be slightly uncomfortable. When the needle punctures your skin, you might feel a prick or pinching sensation. Some people also feel faint or light-headed when they see blood. Afterward, you may have minor bruising, but it will clear up within a few days.

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