The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test is a routine and fundamental test used to assess overall health, diagnose blood disorders, and monitor treatment response. This test measures the main components of blood, including:
Red Blood Cells (RBCs) (responsible for oxygen transport)
White Blood Cells (WBCs) (related to the immune system)
Hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein in RBCs)
Hematocrit (percentage of RBC volume in blood)
Platelets (responsible for blood clotting).
CBC results can indicate conditions such as anemia (low hemoglobin or RBCs), infections (elevated or decreased WBCs), leukemia (abnormal cell count changes), or clotting disorders (platelet abnormalities). It is also used to monitor drug side effects (e.g., chemotherapy) or detect internal bleeding. Reference ranges vary based on age, sex, and laboratory method, but results must be interpreted alongside patient symptoms and other tests (e.g., peripheral blood smear). Sampling is done via venipuncture and is used for routine check-ups or pre-surgical evaluations. Any deviation from the normal range may require further specialized testing (e.g., iron studies or bone marrow biopsy).
