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CBC
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
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Red Blood Cells, Sickle Cell
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Megaloblastic Anemia - View of Red Blood Cells
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Red Blood Cells, Tear-Drop Shape
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Red Blood Cells, Normal
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Red Blood Cells, Elliptocytosis
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Red Blood Cells, Spherocytosis
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Red Blood Cells, Multiple Sickle Cells
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Basophil (Close-Up)
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Malaria, Microscopic View of Cellular Parasites
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Malaria, Photomicrograph of Cellular Parasites
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Red Blood Cells, Sickle Cells
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Red Blood Cells, Sickle and Pappenheimer
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Red Blood Cells, Target Cells
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Formed Elements of Blood
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 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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Jump to another section
• 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
Tests & Exams
• Eosinophil Count - Absolute
• Erythropoietin
• Hematocrit (HCT)
• Hemoglobin
• RBC Count
• WBC Count
Other Topics
• Acute
• Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
• Bleeding
• Bleeding Into the Skin
• Burns
• Chronic
• Diarrhea
• Fainting
• Folic Acid (Folate)
• Immune Response
• Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
• Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
• Renal
• School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
• Stress and Anxiety
• Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation
• Vitamin B12
• 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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