What does a full blood count tell us?

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia. A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen.

What can the results of a CBC tells us about our health?

A CBC gives your provider a picture of your overall health. Using a small amount of blood, a CBC can help detect hundreds of conditions, disorders and infections. It allows your provider to monitor your health, screen for disease and plan and adjust treatment.

What is the most important information when reviewing the results of a complete blood CBC test?

Results. A complete blood count (CBC) gives 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 doctor check any symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, or bruising, you may have.

What diseases can a CBC detect?

Some of the most common diseases a CBC detects include anemia, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow disorders, dehydration, infections, inflammation, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndrome, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., Iron, B12 or folate), and …

What diseases can be diagnosed with a CBC?

These are some of the health problems that can be identified by a CBC:

• anemia (low iron)
• autoimmune disorders.
• bone marrow problems.
• cancer.
• dehydration.
• heart disease.
• infection.
• inflammation.

What is a complete blood count on a CBC Test?

Complete Blood Count (CBC) In many reports the initial list of items under the “Test Name” column show the results of the CBC, or complete blood count. The CBC focuses on the health of the three types of blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—by measuring their amounts, size, and volume, plus a few other things.

Why would a doctor order a complete blood count?

Complete Blood Count. A complete blood count is a blood test that is commonly ordered by doctors, either as part of a complete physical or when your doctor thinks you might have a certain condition. The test gives details about blood cells and can help diagnose diseases.

What happens if my complete blood count is outside of normal?

A complete blood count is typically not a definitive diagnostic test. Depending on the reason your doctor recommended this test, results outside the normal range may or may not require follow-up. Your doctor may need to look at the results of a CBC along with results of other blood tests, or additional tests may be necessary.

How long does it take to get full blood count results?

Results are usually ready within a few days. Sometimes it only takes 24 hours to get results. Your provider will contact you to explain the results and discuss next steps. If your blood cell counts are outside of the normal range, your provider may order follow-up tests. What are the normal ranges for a complete blood count?