What Is a CBC Blood Work Up?
A CBC (complete blood count) is usually performed along with a differential count. The CBC and differential count are a sequence of tests of the peripheral blood that give health providers an incredible amount of information about the hematologic system (blood and its components), as well as various organ systems. These tests are cheap, fast and simple to perform as a screening tool. The CBC and differential count include the following tests: red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell indices, white blood cell count, blood smear, platelet count and mean platelet volume.
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Red Blood Cell Count, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
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The RBC (red blood cell) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell indices are regularly completed as part of a CBC. RBCs are molecules of hemoglobin that allow the transport and exchange of oxygen to the tissues and of carbon dioxide from the tissues. Hemoglobin is the protein that makes up red blood cells, and the hematocrit is the number of red blood cells that make up the total blood volume.
Red Blood Cell Indices
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The red blood cell indices is a measurement of the size (MCV and RDW), weight (MCH) and hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of RBCs. To calculate the red blood cell indices, you must know the values of the RBC count, hemoglobin and hematocrit.
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White Blood Cell Count
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The white blood cell (WBC) count has two parts. One part measures the total amount of WBCs (leukocytes) in a cubic millimeter of peripheral blood. The second part, known as the differential WBC count, consists of a measurement of the types of leukocytes in each specimen. It is represented as a percentage of neutrophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils.
Blood Smear
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Inspection of a peripheral blood smear is important, because it can allow health care providers to examine the effect of diseases and drugs on RBCs and WBCs. It can also be a pathway for diagnosis of congenital and acquired diseases. When special stains are used on the blood smear, certain diseases, such as leukemia, infestation and infection, can be recognized.
Platelet Count and Mean Platelet Volume
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The platelet count is a count of the number of platelets (thrombocytes) per cubic millimeter of blood. The platelet test is normally completed on patients who have problems with petechiae (small hemorrhages under the skin), unplanned bleeding or continuing heavy menses (menstrual cycles). The test can also be of use in patients who have thrombocytopenia, or bone marrow failure. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is a calculation of the volume of a significant number of platelets, which is originated by an automated analyzer. MPV can differ with total platelet construction.
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