
What information does a complete blood count (CBC) give?
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 that you may have, such as weakness, fatigue, or bruising. A CBC also helps him or her diagnose conditions...
What does complete blood count show?
The complete blood count generally includes the following components:
- White blood cell count (WBC or Leukocyte count)
- WBC differential count
- Red blood cell count (RBC or erythrocyte count)
- Hematocrit (Hct)
- Hemoglobin (Hbg)
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
- Red cell distribution width (RDW)
- Platelet count
What does a hematology panel include?
It includes blood, blood-forming organs, and the proteins involved in bleeding and clotting. Hematological tests can evaluate numerous conditions involving blood and its components.
What is included in a rheumatoid panel?
- Rheumatoid Factor. Rheumatoid factor (RF) was the first autoantibody to be discovered in people with RA. ...
- Anticyclic Citrullinated Peptide. Another test which is ordered when rheumatoid arthritis is suspected is the anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP).
- Sedimentation Rate. ...
- C-reactive Protein. ...
- Complete Blood Count. ...
- Complete Metabolic Panel. ...
- Authors

Where is the blood sample sent for a complete blood count?
What you can expect. For a complete blood count, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately.
Why do doctors use complete blood counts?
If you've been diagnosed with a blood disorder that affects blood cell counts, your doctor may use complete blood counts to monitor your condition. To monitor medical treatment. A complete blood count may be used to monitor your health if you're taking medications that may affect blood cell counts.
How are hemoglobin and hematocrit related?
The results of your red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit are related because they each measure aspects of your red blood cells. If the measures in these three areas are lower than normal, you have anemia. Anemia causes fatigue and weakness.
What does it mean when your white blood count is high?
A high white blood cell count can also be a reaction to medication. Platelet count. A platelet count that's lower than normal (thrombocytopenia) or higher than normal (thrombocytosis) is often a sign of an underlying medical condition, or it may be a side effect from medication.
What happens if your platelet count is below normal?
If your platelet count is outside the normal range, you'll likely need additional tests to diagnose the cause. For specifics about what your complete blood count results mean if they fall outside the normal ranges, talk to your doctor. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
Why do you need a complete blood count?
A complete blood count is a common blood test that's done for a variety of reasons: To review your overall health. Your doctor may recommend a complete blood count as part of a routine medical examination to monitor your general health and to screen for a variety of disorders, such as anemia or leukemia. To diagnose a medical condition.
What is CBC test?
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia. A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including:
How long does it take for a blood test to show results?
Here’s an overview of how long some common tests may take: complete blood count (CBC): 24 hours. basic metabolic panel: 24 hours. complete metabolic panel: 24–72 hours. lipid panel: 24 hours.
What does knowing your blood levels mean?
Knowing levels of various blood components, such as HDL and LDL cholesterol, can allow you to tweak your diet or fitness plan to minimize unhealthy habits (that you may not even realize are unhealthy). This can also maximize the nutrients you put in your body and more.
What is BMP in medical?
cancer. Based on your results, your doctor will order follow-up tests to confirm abnormal levels and a possible diagnosis. 2. Basic metabolic panel. A basic metabolic panel (BMP) checks for levels of certain compounds in the blood, such as: electrolytes. calcium.
What is CBC chemistry?
complete blood count (CBC) chemistry (basic metabolic) panel. thyroid panel. nutrient tests for levels of vital nutrients, such as iron or B vitamins. Some other tests that you may want include: enzyme markers if you’re at risk for cancer or other conditions like liver cirrhosis, stroke, or celiac disease. sexually transmitted disease (STD) tests ...
How to do a blood test on your arm?
To perform a blood test, a nurse or technician: Cleans the area on your arm where they’ll draw the blood from. Ties a rubber band to your upper arm to help make your veins more visible.
What is CBC test?
A routine complete blood count (CBC) test checks for levels of 10 different components of every major cell in your blood: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Important components measured by this test include red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Here’s the typical range of results:
Why is blood testing important?
Regular blood testing is one of the most important ways to keep track of your overall physical well-being. Getting tested at routine intervals can allow you to see the way your body changes over time and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
