What is A Complete Blood Count (CBC) and CBC With Differential Test?
- Health Garden
- Feb 23, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 19, 2024
A complete blood count (CBC) test is a blood test that measures the number and type of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets in your blood.
This is done so doctors can check your overall health.
Also called: Blood Count Tests, Hematologic Tests.
What is Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test Done For?
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test is done to help determine general health conditions. If symptoms such as fatigue and weakness are detected, or if there is an infection, inflammation or bleeding, the doctor may request a complete blood count to question the cause.
What do CBC (Complete Blood Count) Results Mean?
For example, if HGB is low, conditions such as anemia, blood loss, leukemia, lymphoma and hemolysis may be considered. High HGB indicates smoking and extreme dehydration. High WBC helps identify types of leukemia and infections. High PLT may indicate some types of cancer, iron deficiency anemia, or spleen-related diseases. Factors such as the operating principle of the device on which the test is performed, daily water intake amount, and rest period may affect the test result. There are also differences in some values in people living at high altitudes. Additionally, serious physiological changes such as menstruation and pregnancy will also make a difference in the results. For these reasons, it is important to inform your doctor about these conditions before a complete blood count is performed.
What Does A Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test Check?
The following diseases are checked in the complete blood count test:
• WBC (White Blood Cell): These cells fight infections. There are 5 types of white blood cells: Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils. An increase in the white blood cell (leukocyte) count will help confirm the presence of infection.
• RBC (Red Blood Cell): These cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs. A decrease in the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) means anemia. It may result from decreased production, increased loss, or increased erythrocyte destruction.
• PLT helps blood clot. A low or extremely high platelet (PLT) count may confirm the cause of excessive bleeding or clotting and may be associated with bone marrow diseases such as leukemia.
• Some diseases, such as cancer (and chemotherapy treatment), can affect the production of cells in the bone marrow.
• While some medications can reduce the number of leukocytes, some vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also cause anemia. A complete blood count may be ordered regularly by your doctor to monitor these conditions and medication treatments.
Is A Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test Necessary In Children?
Yes it is necessary. In this way, infection, anemia and bleeding disorders can be determined. Additionally, childhood cancers need to be diagnosed and followed up. In addition, even if there is no problem, a complete blood count test should be performed on children for routine control.
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