COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT SERIES

INDICATION

The complete blood count (CBC) is a screening test. it is used to diagnose and manage numerous diseases. It can reflect problems with fluid volume (such as dehydration) or loss of blood. It can show abnormalities in the production, life span, and destruction of blood cells. the CBC test isolates and counts the 7 types of cells found in the blood: eosinophil, neutrophil, basophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, red blood cell, and platelets.

PROCEDURE

A CBC requires a small blood specimen. Blood is taken from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.The skin should be cleaned with alcohol or iodine before the test. The patient should be seated comfortable or recleaning.When the needle is inserted to taken blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. After the blood is taken, there may be some throbbing.Although the CBC test is very safe, any blood taking has a slight risk of complication, including:Oozing of blood from the puncture site Fainting or feeling lightheaded Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)Multiple punctures to locate veins Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

RESULT

Normal values vary with altitude and gender,low numbers of red blood cells may indicate anemia which has many causes including:Blood lossIron deficiency Deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folic acid Bone marrow failure (for example, from radiation, toxin, fibrosis, tumor)Erythropoietin deficiency.

High numbers of red blood cells may indicate:Cigarette smoking Low oxygen tension in the blood Congenital heart disease .Pulmonary fibrosis Dehydration (such as from severe diarrhea)Emphysema.