Explain Results of a CBC Blood Test

A CBC, or complete blood count, is a blood test that is frequently performed as part of a routine physical. This test is also used in the diagnosis of various diseases. This test results in information about the number, shape and size of blood cells as well as the levels of hematocrit and hemoglobin present in a blood sample.

Red Cell Count

• The amount of red blood cells, or erythrocytes, is very important. Red cells transport nutrients, such as oxygen, to the body tissues and carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide. A red cell count that is too low may signify a type of anemia, while one that is too high might indicate polycythemia, a condition where red cells tend to clump together and form blood clots.

White Cell Count

• The white blood count is important in the diagnosis of infection. These cells, also known as leukocytes, grow in number for a variety of reasons. If the level of white cells is high, the physician will look for a cause, such as an allergic reaction, inflammation, or bacterial infection.

Platelet Count

• The platelet, or thrombocyte, count is another part of the CBC. Platelets are involved in blood clotting, or coagulation, and their number is extremely important. A level that is too low may mean the patient is at risk to bleed, while a low level might mean the patient is predisposed to blood clots.

Hemoglobin, Hematocrit & Red Cell Indices

• Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels usually fall in line with the red cell count results. If levels are high, dehydration may be suspected. Low levels signify anemia. Red cell indices check for structural changes in the red cells, which is useful in deciding what type of anemia is present.

Differential

• The differential is clinically important, since it looks closely at the white cells. It shows the percentage of each of the five types of white cells present in the blood sample.