What does the Complete Blood Count - CBC blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates overall health and detects a wide range of disorders. It measures several components of your blood, including: 1. Red blood cells (RBCs) 2. White blood cells (WBCs) 3. Platelets 4. Hemoglobin 5. Hematocrit This test can help diagnose various conditions such as anemia, infections, blood cancers, and immune system disorders. It's often used as a routine screening test during annual check-ups or when evaluating symptoms like fatigue, fever, or bruising. The CBC provides valuable information about your body's ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, and form blood clots.
A low CBC reading typically indicates a deficiency in one or more blood components. This could suggest:
Possible causes include nutritional deficiencies, bone marrow disorders, certain medications, or chronic diseases. Low readings may result in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, increased susceptibility to infections, or easy bruising/bleeding. Further testing is usually required to determine the underlying cause.
A high CBC reading typically indicates an excess of one or more blood components. This could suggest:
Possible causes include dehydration, infections, inflammatory conditions, certain medications, or blood disorders. High readings may result in symptoms like dizziness, headaches, visual disturbances, or increased risk of blood clots. In some cases, it may indicate a more serious condition such as leukemia or polycythemia vera. Further evaluation is usually necessary to determine the underlying cause.