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h EA l T h complete Blood count (cBc)

What is a CBC?

Acomplete 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.

The three basic types of blood cells

Measuring changes in your blood cell levels can help your doctor evaluate your overall health and detect disorders. The test measures the three basic types of blood cells. 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 hematocrit: percentage of red blood cells in your blood Low levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit are often signs of anemia, a condition that occurs when blood is deficient in iron.

White blood cells

White blood cells help your body fight infection. A CBC measures the number and types of white blood cells in your body. Any abnormal increases or decreases in the number or types of white blood cells could be a sign of infection, inflammation, or cancer.

Platelets

Platelets help your blood clot and control bleeding. When a cut stops bleeding, it’s because platelets are doing their job. Any changes in platelet levels can put you at risk for excessive bleeding and can be a sign of a serious medical condition.

When is a CBC ordered?

Your doctor may order a CBC as part of a routine checkup or if you have unexplained symptoms such as bleeding or bruising. A CBC can help your doctor do the following. * Evaluate your overall health. Many doctors will order a CBC so they can have a baseline view of your health. A CBC also helps your doctor screen for any health problems. * Diagnose a health problem. Your doctor may order a CBC if you have unexplained symptoms like weakness, tiredness, fever, redness, swelling, bruising, or bleeding. * Monitor a health problem. Your doctor may regularly order CBCs to monitor your condition if you have been diagnosed with a disorder that affects blood cell counts. * Monitor your treatment. Certain medical treatments can affect your blood cell counts and may require regular CBCs. Your doctor can evaluate how well your treatment is 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, 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 when they see blood. Afterwards, you may have minor bruising, but it will clear up within a few days. Most CBC results are available within a few hours to a day after testing.

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.

What do the results mean?

Test results will vary based on your blood cell counts. Here are the normal results for adults, but different labs may deliver slight variations: A CBC is not a definitive diagnostic test. Blood cell counts that are too high or too low could signal a wide variety of conditions. Specialized tests are needed to diagnose a specific condition. Conditions that could cause an abnormal CBC and may require additional testing include: * iron or other vitamin and mineral deficiencies * bleeding disorders * heart disease * autoimmune disorders * bone marrow problems * cancer * infection or inflammation * reaction to medication If your CBC shows abnormal levels, your doctor may order another blood test to confirm results. They may also order other tests to help further evaluate your condition and confirm a diagnosis.

Understanding the WBC (white blood cell) count

A white blood cell (WBC) count is a test that measures the number of white blood cells in your body. This test is often included with a complete blood count (CBC). The term “white blood cell count” is also used more generally to refer to the number of white blood cells in your body. There are several types of white blood cells, and your blood usually contains a percentage of each type. Sometimes, however, your white blood cell count can fall or rise out of the healthy range.

Purpose of a WBC count

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 treatment in people with cancer.

Types of WBCs

WBCs, also called leukocytes, are an important part of the immune system. These cells help fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs that invade the body. White blood cells originate in the bone marrow but circulate throughout the bloodstream. There are five major types of white 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

Complications from a WBC count

Having your blood drawn is a simple procedure, and complications are extremely rare. It can be difficult to take blood from people with small veins. The lab technician may be unable to locate a vein, or once the needle is inside the arm or hand, they may have to move the needle around in order to draw blood. This can cause a sharp pain or a 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