A complete blood count (CBC) gives important information about the
kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, especially
red blood cells 
,
white blood cells , and
platelets. A CBC helps your doctor check
any symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, or bruising, you may have. A CBC also
helps him or her diagnose conditions, such as
anemia, infection, and many other disorders.
,
white blood cells , and
platelets. A CBC helps your doctor check
any symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, or bruising, you may have. A CBC also
helps him or her diagnose conditions, such as
anemia, infection, and many other disorders.
A CBC test usually includes:
- White blood cell (WBC, leukocyte) count. White blood cells protect the body against infection. If an infection develops, white blood cells attack and destroy the bacteria, virus, or other organism causing it. White blood cells are bigger than red blood cells but fewer in number. When a person has a bacterial infection, the number of white cells rises very quickly. The number of white blood cells is sometimes used to find an infection or to see how the body is dealing with cancer treatment.
- White blood cell types (WBC differential). The major types of white blood cells are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Immature neutrophils, called band neutrophils, are also part of this test. Each type of cell plays a different role in protecting the body. The numbers of each one of these types of white blood cells give important information about the immune system. Too many or too few of the different types of white blood cells can help find an infection, an allergic or toxic reaction to medicines or chemicals, and many conditions, such as leukemia.
- Red blood cell (RBC) count. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. They also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs so it can be exhaled. If the RBC count is low (anemia), the body may not be getting the oxygen it needs. If the count is too high (a condition called polycythemia), there is a chance that the red blood cells will clump together and block tiny blood vessels (capillaries). This also makes it hard for your red blood cells to carry oxygen.
1 comment:
Very informative.
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