CBC $25.00
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This particular examination, CBC (H/H, RBC, Indices, WBC, Plt), encompasses 1 test with a comprehensive profile of 10 distinct biomarkers.
Overview:
The CBC without Differential (CBC w/o Diff) analysis is a vital laboratory procedure that yields crucial insights into the blood’s cellular elements. It evaluates a variety of blood cell counts and parameters to gauge the overall health of the blood.
Frequently Referred To As:
CBC examination, Complete Blood Count Analysis, Full Blood Count Test, CBC inclusive of White Blood Cell Count and Platelets Examination, Blood Health Profile Test
Method of Collection:
Venipuncture
Type of Specimen:
Whole Blood
Requirements Prior to Test:
No specific preparations needed
When Might a CBC Examination be Requested?
Regular Health Assessment:
This test is commonly included as a part of a standard health examination to evaluate the total blood cell counts and pinpoint any potential irregularities.
General Health Analysis:
The CBC w/o Diff is instrumental for medical professionals in evaluating overall health, spotting signs of infection or inflammation, and observing the impact of specific medications or treatments on the blood cells.
Blood Disorder Screening:
It serves as an effective screening method for detecting blood-related conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and other disorders that may influence the production or functionality of blood cells.
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood examination that provides vital information about the various cellular elements present in the bloodstream. This test plays a crucial role in evaluating the count of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, which are the three primary types of cells that circulate in plasma. Under normal conditions, these cells are produced and mature in the bone marrow and are subsequently released into the bloodstream as needed.
The CBC is typically conducted using an automated machine that precisely measures several parameters, including the number of cells present in a given blood sample. The results of a CBC can shed light not only on the quantity of different cell types but also on certain physical characteristics of some of the cells.
Components typically analyzed in a standard CBC include:
- White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: Evaluating the amount of WBCs, which play a crucial role in the body’s immune system, helping to fend off infections and other harmful conditions. WBC levels can fluctuate temporarily in response to bodily changes, such as an infection leading to increased production, or a viral attack possibly resulting in elevated WBC levels.
- Red Blood Cell (RBC) Evaluation: This encompasses the RBC count, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit percentage, and various RBC indices such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW). The reticulocyte count, an indicator of immature red blood cells, may also be included.
- Platelet Analysis: This involves assessing the platelet count and, optionally, the mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW).
Focusing on the three types of cells:
- White Blood Cells: These cells, also known as leukocytes, are crucial for maintaining overall health and fighting off infections and other forms of harm. The body houses five different types of WBCs, each playing unique roles in immune defense. Their levels can rise or fall temporarily in response to bodily conditions. For example, allergies might lead to an increase, while certain diseases like leukemia can result in rapid multiplication of abnormal white cells, raising the WBC count.
- Red Blood Cells: Also referred to as erythrocytes, these cells carry the protein hemoglobin, which is essential for distributing oxygen throughout the body. Produced and matured in the bone marrow, RBCs have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, necessitating continuous production to replace aged or lost cells. Various conditions, including bleeding disorders, can affect new RBC production and lifespan. The CBC helps in evaluating RBC count, hemoglobin content, and other related parameters, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like anemia or polycythemia.
- Platelets: Known as thrombocytes, these small cell fragments are pivotal for normal blood clotting. Insufficient platelet levels can lead to increased bleeding and bruising, whereas excessive platelets or dysfunctional platelets can result in abnormal clotting or bleeding. The CBC determines platelet count and size, providing crucial information for evaluating clotting function.
Frequently Paired Lab Tests with a CBC Test:
- Reticulocytes: Assesses the number of young red blood cells to understand how quickly they are being produced and released into the bloodstream.
- Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity: Evaluates iron levels and the body’s capacity to transport iron, essential for diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia.
- Basic Metabolic Panel: Measures various chemicals in the blood, providing information on the metabolism, kidney function, and electrolyte balance.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: A more extensive version of the Basic Metabolic Panel, offering additional insights into liver function and blood proteins.
- Lipid Panel: Determines levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, helping assess cardiovascular risk.
- Vitamin B12 and Folate: Important for diagnosing deficiencies that could lead to certain types of anemia.
- Prothrombin Time with INR and Partial Thromboplastin Times: Assesses blood clotting function and monitors anticoagulant therapy.
- Sed Rate (ESR): Indicates the presence of inflammation in the body.
- C-Reactive Protein: Another marker used to detect inflammation and monitor inflammatory conditions.
- Epstein-Barr Virus: Tests for infection with Epstein-Barr virus, which can affect blood cell counts.
- Von Willebrand Factor Antigen: Assesses the function of von Willebrand factor, a key protein in blood clotting.
Situations Recommending a CBC Test:
Anemia:
A CBC test can highlight irregularities in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, and other related parameters, assisting in the identification of various anemia types, including iron-deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Infections and Inflammation:
Alterations in white blood cell counts and other related indices may signal the presence of an infection, inflammation, or disorders related to the immune system.
Blood Disorders:
The CBC test can help detect anomalies in blood cell counts or their morphology, potentially pointing to blood disorders like leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloproliferative diseases.