Complete Blood Count Health Article

Definition

A complete blood count (CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count; measurement of hemoglobin and mean red cell volume; classification of white blood cells (WBC differential); and calculation of hematocrit and red blood cell indices. The hematocrit is the percentage of blood by volume that is occupied by the red cells (i.e., the packed red cell volume). Red blood cell indices are calculations derived from the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit that aid in the diagnosis and classification of anemia.

Purpose

The CBC provides valuable information about the blood and to some extent the bone marrow, which is the blood-forming tissue. The CBC is used for the following purposes:

• as a preoperative test to ensure both adequate oxygen carrying capacity and hemostasis
• to identify persons who may have an infection
• to diagnose anemia
• to identify acute and chronic illness, bleeding tendencies, and white blood cell disorders such as leukemia
• to monitor treatment for anemia and other blood diseases
• to determine the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy on blood cell production

Precautions

The CBC requires a sample of blood collected from a vein. The nurse or phlebotomist inserting the needle should clean the skin first. The tourniquet should be removed from the arm as soon as the blood flows. If a fingerstick is used to collect the blood, care must be taken to wipe away the first drop, and not to squeeze the finger excessively as this causes the blood to be diluted by tissue fluid. Many drugs affect the results by causing increased or decreased RBC, WBC, and/or platelet production. Medications should be taken into account when interpreting results.