What is CBC of a person with leukemia?

Complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a person's blood. It also measures the amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells and the hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in the blood).

In a person with leukemia, the CBC may show:

* Anemia, which is a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin.

* Leukocytosis, which is a condition in which the blood has too many white blood cells. This can be a sign of infection, but it can also be caused by leukemia.

* Thrombocytopenia, which is a condition in which the blood does not have enough platelets. This can cause easy bruising and bleeding.

The CBC can also show abnormal cells in the blood, such as blast cells, which are immature white blood cells. The presence of blast cells in the blood is a sign of leukemia.

The CBC is a helpful test for diagnosing leukemia, but it is not always enough to make a definitive diagnosis. Other tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.