Complete
Blood Count (CBC).
Complete Blood Count (CBC) (pronounced: kuhm-pleet bluhd kaʊnt) is a blood test that is commonly used to evaluate the overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, and leukemia.
Etymology
The term "Complete Blood Count" originates from the comprehensive nature of the test, as it provides a count of different components of the blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
Components of CBC
A Complete Blood Count includes the following components:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These are the oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. The CBC measures the number of RBCs in the blood, their size and shape, and the amount of hemoglobin, which is the protein that carries oxygen.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): These cells are part of the immune system and help the body fight off infections. The CBC measures the total number of WBCs and the different types of WBCs in the blood.
- Platelets: These are small cell fragments that help with blood clotting. The CBC measures the number of platelets in the blood.
- Hemoglobin: This is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The CBC measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
- Hematocrit: This is the proportion of the blood that consists of red blood cells. The CBC measures the hematocrit.
Related Terms
- Anemia: A condition in which there is a deficiency of red cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness.
- Leukemia: A malignant progressive disease in which the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs produce increased numbers of immature or abnormal leukocytes.
- Infection: The process of infecting or the state of being infected.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Complete
- Wikipedia's article - Complete
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