What Is the Complete Blood Count Lab Test?

Have you undergone a CBC lab test? CBC is the acronym for 'complete blood count' and it is used to check for different disorders and health conditions. When doctors suspect infection, anemia, and other diseases, they can request for a CBC test.

You should be aware that the test examines the blood's different parts. It usually covers the following - white blood cell differential, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, platelet count, red cell distribution width and MCH concentration.

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This is a common test and it is required to determine the general health of a person. When the cell populations are normal, the doctor will no longer require such test unless there is a change in the health status. In most cases, doctors request for CBC testing when the patient exhibits symptoms like inflammation, bleeding, bruising, infection, weakness, and fatigue. When the white blood cell count increases, this is an indication that there is an infection and further tests will be conducted to get accurate diagnosis. If the red blood cell count decreases, the doctor will conduct further evaluation to find out the root cause of the problem. The platelet count can confirm clotting or bleeding, and it can also be used to test a patient for leukemia.

When a person is suffering from a health condition, there will be an increase or decrease in the cell populations. If the doctor needs to monitor a patient regularly, CBC tests are scheduled to keep the diseases in check and to provide the right treatment. Only a doctor can interpret what the results mean. For instance, an increase in WBC can indicate an inflammation, infections, and leukemia; while a decrease can mean severe infections, autoimmune conditions, failure of the bone marrow, etc. When there is an increase in the RBC, it can mean that the body has lost too many fluids due to dehydration, diarrhea, and burns. The hematocrit and the hemoglobin usually mirror the red blood cell count.

Before the testing, there are no restrictions although most medical experts say that patients should avoid fatty meals. The interpretation of CBC results for children and babies are different from that of adults. Now that you know what the CBC is all about, you will not hesitate to undergo the test when the doctor requests for it. This is a vital test and is no longer limited to local hospitals. You can also check for other resources online, especially sites that offer online lab tests.