Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the different types of cells in your blood. It provides information about your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, helping evaluate your overall health and detect conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, and blood disorders.
What a CBC tests
1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
The CBC measures:
RBC count: Number of red blood cells in the blood.
Hemoglobin (Hgb): The protein that carries oxygen. Low levels may indicate anemia.
Hematocrit (Hct): The percentage of blood made up of red blood cells.
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): Measures the size of red blood cells and helps classify types of anemia.
MCH/MCHC: Measure the amount and concentration of hemoglobin inside red blood cells.
RDW: Measures variation in red blood cell size.
2. White Blood Cells (WBCs)
White blood cells help the body fight infections and respond to inflammation.
The CBC measures:
Total WBC count: May increase with infections, inflammation, or certain disorders; may decrease with some infections, medications, or bone marrow problems.
White blood cell differential: Measures different types of white blood cells:
Neutrophils: Often increase with bacterial infections and inflammation.
Lymphocytes: Important for immune responses and viral infections.
Monocytes: Help remove damaged cells and fight certain infections.
Eosinophils: May increase with allergies or parasitic infections.
Basophils: Involved in allergic and inflammatory responses.
3. Platelets
Platelets help blood clot and prevent excessive bleeding.
Platelet count: Low levels may increase bleeding risk; high levels may be associated with inflammation or clotting disorders.
MPV (Mean Platelet Volume): Measures average platelet size.
What a CBC can help detect
A CBC may help identify or monitor:
Anemia (low red blood cells or hemoglobin)
Infections
Inflammation
Bleeding or clotting problems
Immune system disorders
Bone marrow disorders
Certain blood cancers (such as leukemia)
Effects of medications or treatments
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