Full Blood Count

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a routine blood test that may be recommended for a variety of reasons.

Here are some examples of people who may benefit from a CBC:

- People with symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath
- People with symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, or body aches
- Anyone with unexplained bruising or bleeding
- anyone with a family history of blood disorders or cancer
- Individuals receiving chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disease
- Pregnant women to monitor their health and the health of their developing fetus

In addition to these specific examples, CBC may also be recommended as part of a routine health examination for people of all ages. Routine screening can help identify potential health problems before they become more serious and can help guide treatment decisions.

It is important to note that the decision to recommend CBC testing depends on individual factors such as age, medical history, and current symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help determine if a CBC test is appropriate for you.

The CBC test is a valuable tool for assessing a patient's health and can provide important information about the condition of your blood cells. If you have any concerns about your health or are experiencing symptoms that may indicate an underlying medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider about whether a CBC test is appropriate for you.

The results of a complete blood count (CBC) can provide valuable information about the condition of your blood cells.

Here are some key components of the CBC and what they can tell you:

- Red blood cell (RBC) count: The normal range for adults is usually between 4.5 and 5.5 million cells per microliter (mcL). A low RBC count may indicate anemia, while a high count may indicate dehydration or other underlying conditions.
- Hemoglobin (Hb): The normal range for adults is usually between 13.5 and 17.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for men and between 12.0 and 15.5 g/dL for women. A low Hb level may indicate anemia, while a high level may indicate dehydration or other underlying conditions.
- Hematocrit (Hct): The normal range for adults is typically between 38% and 50% for men and between 34% and 45% for women. A low Hct may indicate anemia, while a high Hct may indicate dehydration or other underlying conditions.
- White blood cell (WBC) count: The normal range for adults is typically between 4,500 and 11,000 cells per mcL. A high WBC count may indicate infection or inflammation, while a low count may indicate bone marrow problems or other underlying conditions.
- Platelet count (Plt): The normal range for adults is usually between 150,000 and 450,000 cells per mcL. A low platelet count may indicate bleeding disorders or bone marrow problems, while a high count may indicate inflammation or other underlying conditions.

It is important to note that interpretation of CBC results depends on individual factors such as age, gender, medical history, and current symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help you interpret your CBC results in the context of your overall health and guide any necessary treatment decisions.