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| The CBC is usually carried out as part of a routine medical exam, or as determined by a doctor. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is an automated count of the cells in the blood. It provides information about the white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and platelet populations that are present. In only a minute or two, the hematology instrument (the machine that is used to run the test) can measure thousands of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets and compare them against established normal ranges. In this test, a drop of blood is placed on a slide, smeared into a thin layer, allowed to dry, and then dyed with a special stain. Any additional information is added to that found by the automated count, and all of the findings are reported to the doctor. The CBC is used as a broad screening test to check for such disorders as anemia, infection, and many other diseases. Under normal circumstances, they are released into the bloodstream as needed. For instance, in the case of an infection, there may be a higher concentration of neutrophils (a "shift to the left"). The CBC determines whether there are sufficient RBCs present and whether the RBC population appears to be normal. Much less frequently, there may be too many RBCs in the blood (erythrocytosis or polycythemia). The CBC measures the number and size of platelets present. In this case, a blood smear test may be necessary. The CBC test may be ordered by the doctor on a regular basis to monitor these conditions and drug treatments. But for many more tests, the meaning of the results depends on their context. A typical lab report will have your results followed by a normal or reference range. The test results indicate that it falls within the "normal" range. Laboratories will generally report your test results accompanied by a reference range keyed to your age and sex. Even your posture when the sample is taken can affect some results, as can recent heavy exertion. For example, albumin and calcium levels may increase when shifting from lying down to an upright position. |
| Anemia (Iron deficiency) Anemia, Aplastic Thalassemia |