How to Understand Your CBC Test
A CBC, or complete blood count, is a commonly administered test. A doctor or nurse will draw blood, normally taken from the arm, on the inside of the elbow. Drawn blood is sent to a laboratory where red and white blood cell and platelet health and activity is analyzed. Physicians order CBCs to establish a baseline count or to check for blood or bone marrow disorders, nutrition deficiencies, infection, anemia or some cancers.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Copy of your CBC test results
- Access to a good medical website
- OR
- Reputable layperson's medical reference book
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Your CBC report will show the number of red blood cells, the number of white blood cells, the size of your red blood cells, the percentage of red blood cells in your total blood volume, the total amount of the oxygen-carrying protein, hemoglobin, and the number of platelets.
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Red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body and carry away carbon dioxide, a cellular waste product. White blood cells are a critical part of the immune system and fight off infectious diseases and foreign objects. Platelets play a crucial role in the clotting of blood due to injury.
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While learning more about your CBC from reputable websites or reference books, the best resource is still your health care professional. Your physician should be willing and able to discuss your results with you and to explain any points of confusion. If he or she is not willing, you may want to consider changing health care providers.
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Tips & Warnings
Take control of your health care by creating a file for medical test results. Attach any notes to the test results so the next time you are tested you have the necessary information at your fingertips. When you prepare for your next visit to your health care provider, make a list of any questions ahead of time. Remember, you are a consumer as well as a patient, and you have a right to complete and accurate information about your health.
