COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT TEST (CBC)

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT TEST (CBC)



WHAT IS THE COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT TEST (CBC)?


Many blood tests measure the amount of a particular chemical or protein in your blood, but a complete blood count checks the blood cells themselves. It measures the numbers of different types of blood cells, their sizes, and their appearance. It is a very common and useful blood test.


In general, the test measures 3 main components of blood:



• Red blood cells (also called erythrocytes or RBCs). The test measures the number, size, shape, and appearance of the RBCs, and also the amount of hemoglobin in them. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The part of the test called a hematocrit measures the percentage of your blood that is red blood cells.


• White blood cells (also called leukocytes or WBCs). The total count of white cells is measured. White blood cells help the body’s immune system fight infection. When the amounts of each of the different types of white blood cells are also measured, the test is called a differential. The most common types are neutrophils (also called polymorphonuclear cells, PMNs, polys, or granulocytes) and lymphocytes.


• Platelets (also called thrombocytes). Platelets are not actually blood cells. They are fragments of large blood-forming cells. These fragments are essential for normal blood clotting.



WHY IS THIS TEST DONE?


This test is usually done to see if:



• You have anemia (too few red blood cells).


• You have a high level of white blood cells (also called leukocytosis). A high white-blood-cell count is often a sign of infection.


• This test may be done for other reasons as well, such as to:


˚ Look for the cause of anemia.

˚ Check for certain diseases.

˚ Check the number of platelets.


HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THIS TEST?




• You may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the test because they might affect the test result. Make sure your health care provider knows about any medicines, herbs, or supplements that you are taking. Don’t stop any of your regular medicines without first consulting with your health care provider.

Related posts:

  1. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
  2. DIARRHEA ASSESSMENT
  3. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  4. Principles of Symptom Management

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Mar 1, 2017 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT TEST (CBC)

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