a CBC, or Complete Blood Count, is a common blood test that evaluates the cellular components of blood. It provides information about different parts of the blood and is often used as a broad screening test to check for certain conditions and disorders, such as anemia, infection, and many other diseases.
Here's a breakdown of what the CBC measures:
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: Measures the number of red blood cells in a volume of blood. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb): The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low levels might suggest anemia, while high levels might indicate polycythemia vera or other conditions.
Hematocrit (Hct): Represents the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. It is often expressed as a percentage.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Measures the average size of your red blood cells. It can indicate a type of anemia. For example, microcytic (small) cells are seen in iron-deficiency anemia, while macrocytic (large) cells can suggest vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: Measures the total number of white blood cells in a volume of blood. These cells are critical for immunity and defense against infections. A high count can indicate an infection, while a low count can put one at risk for one.
Differential (Diff): Breaks down the WBC count into the different types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. This can give clues to specific types of conditions or diseases.
Platelet (Plt) Count: Measures the number of platelets, which are small cell fragments that are crucial for blood clotting. Too few platelets can risk bleeding, while too many can risk blood clots.
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): Reflects the average size of platelets in a blood sample. It can provide information about platelet production in the bone marrow.
When a doctor orders a CBC, they're typically checking these values and perhaps some additional indices related to RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. The results of a CBC can offer a lot of information about a person's overall health and help diagnose a wide range of disorders.
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