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Learn to Read Your Lab Results: Blood Counts

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COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT

The clinical laboratory test that evaluates the three main cellular components of peripheral blood (red cells, white cells, and platelets) is called the "complete blood count" (CBC). It is used commonly to assess whether a patient is anemic (low red cell count), has an infection (increased white blood cells), or has abnormal blood coagulation (platelet levels). The CBC examines the total number of red blood cells (RBC) and the RBC indices, including: the mean corpuscular volume (MCV); the concentration of hemoglobin, measured by the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and its concentration (MCHC); and the hematocrit, which is the mean packed-cell volume of red cells. The total white blood cell (leukocyte) count, the various types of leukocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), and platelets are also measured.

JONATHAN R. KELLER

MARIAESTELA ORTIZ

(SEE ALSO: Hematocrit; Hemoglobin; Laboratory Services)

Author Info: JONATHAN R. KELLER, MARIAESTELA ORTIZ, The Gale Group Inc., Macmillan Reference USA, New York, Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health, 2002

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COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT

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