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Jamadi ul II 30,1442 Feb 12, 2021
HEALTH
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
What is a CBC?
around your upper arm to help the vein swell with blood 3. inserts a needle in the your and collects a blood sample in one or more vials 4. removes the elastic band 5. covers the area with a bandage to stop any bleeding 6. Label your sample and send it to a lab for analysis A blood test can be slightly uncomfortable. When the needle punctures your skin, you might feel a prick or pinching sensation. Some people also feel faint or light-headed The three basic types of blood cells when they see blood. Afterwards, you may Measuring changes in your blood cell levels have minor bruising, but it will clear up can help your doctor evaluate your overall within a few days. health and detect disorders. The test meas- Most CBC results are available within a few hours to a day after testing. ures the three basic types of blood cells.
A
complete blood count, or CBC, is an easy and very common test that screens for certain disorders that can affect your health. A CBC determines if there are any increases or decreases in your blood cell counts. Normal values vary depending on your age and your gender. Your lab report will tell you the normal value range for your age and gender. A CBC can help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from anemia and infection to cancer.
Red blood cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body and remove carbon dioxide. A CBC measures two components of your red blood cells:
hemoglobin: oxygen-carrying protein
For infants
In young infants, a nurse will typically sterilize the heel of the foot and use a small needle called a lancet to prick the area. The nurse will then gently squeeze the heel and collect a small amount of blood in a vial for testing.
hematocrit: percentage of red blood cells in What do the results mean? your blood Low levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit Test results will vary based on your blood are often signs of anemia, a condition that cell counts. Here are the normal results for adults, but different labs may deliver slight occurs when blood is deficient in iron. variations: White blood cells A CBC is not a definitive diagnostic test. White blood cells help your body fight inBlood cell counts that are too high or too fection. A CBC measures the number and low could signal a wide variety of conditypes of white blood cells in your body. Any tions. Specialized tests are needed to diagabnormal increases or decreases in the numnose a specific condition. Conditions that ber or types of white blood cells could be a could cause an abnormal CBC and may resign of infection, inflammation, or cancer. quire additional testing include: Platelets * iron or other vitamin and mineral Platelets help your blood clot and control deficiencies bleeding. When a cut stops bleeding, it’s * bleeding disorders because platelets are doing their job. Any * heart disease changes in platelet levels can put you at risk * autoimmune disorders for excessive bleeding and can be a sign of a * bone marrow problems serious medical condition. * cancer When is a CBC ordered? * infection or inflammation Your doctor may order a CBC as part of a * reaction to medication routine checkup or if you have unexplained If your CBC shows abnormal levels, your symptoms such as bleeding or bruising. doctor may order another blood test to conA CBC can help your doctor do the following. firm results. They may also order other tests * Evaluate your overall health. Many doctors to help further evaluate your condition and will order a CBC so they can have a baseline confirm a diagnosis. view of your health. A CBC also helps your Understanding the WBC doctor screen for any health problems. (white blood cell) count * Diagnose a health problem. Your doctor A white blood cell (WBC) count is a test that may order a CBC if you have unexplained measures the number of white blood cells in symptoms like weakness, tiredness, fever, your body. This test is often included with redness, swelling, bruising, or bleeding. a complete blood count (CBC). The term * Monitor a health problem. Your doctor “white blood cell count” is also used more may regularly order CBCs to monitor your generally to refer to the number of white condition if you have been diagnosed with a blood cells in your body. disorder that affects blood cell counts. There are several types of white blood cells, * Monitor your treatment. Certain medical and your blood usually contains a percenttreatments can affect your blood cell counts age of each type. Sometimes, however, your and may require regular CBCs. Your docwhite blood cell count can fall or rise out of tor can evaluate how well your treatment is the healthy range. working based on your CBC.
Getting ready for a CBC
Make sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that you can easily rollup. You can typically eat and drink normally before a CBC. However, your doctor may require that you fast for a specific amount of time before the test. That’s common if the blood sample will be used for additional testing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. Everything You Need to Know About Fasting Before a Blood Test »
What happens during a CBC?
During a CBC, a lab technician will draw blood from a vein, typically from the inside of your elbow or from the back of your hand. The test will take only a few minutes. The technician: 1. cleans your skin with an antiseptic wipe 2. places an elastic band, or tourniquet,
Purpose of a WBC count
blood cells: * neutrophils * lymphocytes * eosinophils * monocytes * basophils
A normal WBC count
Infants are often born with much higher numbers of WBCs, which gradually even out as they age. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center (UMRC), these are the normal ranges of WBCs per microliter of blood (mcL): These normal ranges can vary by lab. Another common measurement for the volume of blood is cubic millimeter, or mm3. A microliter and cubic millimeter equal the same amount. The types of cells that make up WBCs usually fall within a normal percentage of your overall WBC count. The normal percentages of the types of WBCs in your overall count are usually in these ranges, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): Higher or lower numbers of WBCs than normal can be a sign of an underlying condition. Having a higher or lower percentage of a certain type of WBC can also be a sign of an underlying condition.
Symptoms of an abnormal WBC count
The symptoms of a low WBC count include: * body aches * fever * chills * headaches High WBC counts don’t often cause symptoms, although the underlying conditions causing the high count may cause their own symptoms. The symptoms of a low WBC count may prompt your doctor to recommend a WBC count. It’s also normal for doctors to order a CBC and check your WBC count during an annual physical examination.
What to expect from a WBC count
A healthcare provider or lab technician needs to draw blood to check your WBC count. This blood sample is taken either from a vein in your arm or a vein on the back of your hand. It only takes a couple of minutes to draw your blood, and you may experience minor discomfort. The healthcare provider first cleans the needle site to kill any germs and then ties an elastic band around the upper section of your arm. This elastic band helps the blood fill your vein, making it easier for the blood to be drawn. The healthcare provider slowly inserts a needle into your arm or hand and collects the blood in an attached tube. The provider then removes the elastic band from around your arm and slowly removes the needle. Finally, the technician applies gauze to the needle site to stop the bleeding. Healthcare providers use a different technique when drawing blood from young children and infants: Providers first puncture the skin with a lancet (a pricking needle), and then use a test strip or a small vial to
Having a higher or lower number of WBCs than normal may indicate an underlying condition. A WBC count can detect hidden infections within your body and alert doctors to undiagnosed medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders. This test also helps doctors monitor the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation Complications from a WBC count Having your blood drawn is a simple procetreatment in people with cancer. dure, and complications are extremely rare. Types of WBCs WBCs, also called leukocytes, are an impor- It can be difficult to take blood from peotant part of the immune system. These cells ple with small veins. The lab technician help fight infections by attacking bacteria, may be unable to locate a vein, or once the needle is inside the arm or hand, they may viruses, and germs that invade the body. White blood cells originate in the bone mar- have to move the needle around in order to row but circulate throughout the blood- draw blood. This can cause a sharp pain or a stream. There are five major types of white stinging sensation. Rare complications include:
* infection at the needle site excessive * bleeding lightheadedness or fainting * bleeding underneath the skin (hematoma)
How to prepare for a WBC count
A WBC count requires no specific preparation. You simply schedule an appointment with your doctor or set up an appointment at a local medical laboratory. Certain medications can interfere with your lab results and either lower or increase your WBC count. The drugs that may affect your test results include: * corticosteroids * quinidine * heparin * clozapine * antibiotics * antihistamines * diuretics * anticonvulsants * sulfonamides * chemotherapy medication Prior to having your blood drawn, tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medications that you’re currently taking. Understanding the results of a WBC count Abnormal test results are classified by numbers that are higher or lower than the normal range for your age. A low or high WBC count can point to a blood disorder or other medical condition. To identify the exact cause of a high or low WBC count, your doctor will take several factors into consideration, such as your list of current medications, symptoms, and medical history. Leukopenia is the medical term used to describe a low WBC count. A low number can be triggered by: * HIV * autoimmune disorders * bone marrow disorders or damage * lymphoma * severe infections * liver and spleen diseases * lupus * radiation therapy some medications, such as antibiotics Leukocytosis is the medical term used to describe a high WBC count. This can be triggered by: * smoking * infections such as tuberculosis * tumors in the bone marrow leukemia * inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and bowel disease * stress * exercise * tissue damage * pregnancy * allergies * asthma * some medications, such as corticosteroids After diagnosing the cause of a high or low WBC count and recommending a treatment plan, your doctor will periodically recheck your WBCs. If your WBC count remains high or low, this can indicate that your condition has worsened. Your doctor may adjust your treatment. If your WBC count shows a normal range, this usually indicates that the treatment is working. Source : healthline.com
