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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Tests & Exams > CBC

CBC

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Why is the Test Performed?

How is the Test Performed?

How to Prepare for the Test?

How will the Test Feel?

Normal Values

What do Abnormal Results Mean?

Special Considerations

Risks

Pictures & Images

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Alternate Names : Complete Blood Count


Definition

A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:

  • The number of red blood cells (RBCs)
  • The number of white blood cells (WBCs)
  • The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood
  • The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells (hematocrit)
  • The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) -- the size of the red blood cells

CBC also includes information about the red blood cells that is calculated from the other measurements:

  • MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin)
  • MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration)
The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.

Pictures & Images

Red Blood Cells, Sickle Cell
Red Blood Cells, Sickle Cell

Megaloblastic Anemia - View of Red Blood Cells
Megaloblastic Anemia - View of Red Blood Cells

Red Blood Cells, Tear-Drop Shape
Red Blood Cells, Tear-Drop Shape

Red Blood Cells, Normal
Red Blood Cells, Normal

Red Blood Cells, Elliptocytosis
Red Blood Cells, Elliptocytosis

Red Blood Cells, Spherocytosis
Red Blood Cells, Spherocytosis

Red Blood Cells, Multiple Sickle Cells
Red Blood Cells, Multiple Sickle Cells

Basophil (Close-Up)
Basophil (Close-Up)

Malaria, Microscopic View of Cellular Parasites
Malaria, Microscopic View of Cellular Parasites

Malaria, Photomicrograph of Cellular Parasites
Malaria, Photomicrograph of Cellular Parasites

Red Blood Cells, Sickle Cells
Red Blood Cells, Sickle Cells

Red Blood Cells, Sickle and Pappenheimer
Red Blood Cells, Sickle and Pappenheimer

Red Blood Cells, Target Cells
Red Blood Cells, Target Cells

Formed Elements of Blood
Formed Elements of Blood

     See all Pictures & Images
Why is the Test Performed?

The CBC is a screening test, used to diagnose and manage numerous diseases. The results can reflect problems with fluid volume (such as dehydration) or loss of blood. It can show abnormalities in the production, life span, and rate of destruction of blood cells. It can reflect acute or chronic infection, allergies, and problems with clotting.

MCV, MCH, and MCHC values reflect the size and hemoglobin concentration of individual cells and are useful in the diagnosis of various types of anemia.



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Definition
Why is the Test Performed?
How is the Test Performed?
How to Prepare for the Test?
How will the Test Feel?
Normal Values
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Special Considerations
Risks
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Allergies
Anemia
Cor Pulmonale
Dehydration
Heart Disease
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Kidney Disease
Multiple Myeloma
Polycythemia Vera
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Tumor

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Vitamin B6

Review Date : 11/8/2002
Reviewed By : Michael C. Milone, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Page Last Updated: 18 May, 2008