IMPORTANT NOTE: MOST COMMON CBC TEST. USUALLY DONE AS PART OF A ROUTINE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

NOTICE: This test is a component of the Anemia Conclusive Panel or Anti-Aging Panel which may be more appealing than ordering this test alone.

Synonyms: CBC, HCT-Hematocrit, Complete Blood Count

Why It Is Done

Evaluate the cause of certain symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, bruising, or weight loss.
Detect anemia.
Determine the severity of blood loss.
Diagnose polycythemia vera.
Diagnose an infection.
Diagnose diseases of the blood, such as leukemia.
Monitor the response to some types of drug or radiation treatment.
Evaluate abnormal bleeding.
Screen for abnormal values before surgery.

Test Overview

Test includes:

Hematocrit; hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); red cell distribution width (RDW); percentage and absolute differential counts; platelet count; red cell count; white blood cell count.

A blood count can provide valuable information about the general state of your health.

A CBCvprovides important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells , white blood cells , and platelets. A CBC helps your health professional evaluate symptoms (such as weakness, fatigue, or bruising) and diagnose conditions (such as anemia, infection, and many other disorders).

How To Prepare

No special preparation is necessary.