CBC - Complete Blood Count

This CBC with Differential Panel Includes

Tests included:

• White blood cell count (WBC or leukocyte count)
• WBC differential count
• Red blood cell count (RBC or erythrocyte count)
• Hematocrit (Hct)
• Hemoglobin (Hbg)
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
• Red cell distribution width (RDW)
• Platelet count
• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)

Complete Blood Count

 Whole blood is made up of various types of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. The complete blood count (CBC) is an inventory of the different cellular components of the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Blood cell counts are typically reported as the number of cells in a cubic millimeter of blood (cells/mm3) or as a percentage of all blood cells.

 Red Blood Cells

 Red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells, bound to a molecule called hemoglobin. A reduction in red blood cells characterizes anemia, often leaving a person tired, weak, and short of breath. Several tests are used to help diagnose various types of anemia.

 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC):

The total number of red blood cells in a quantity of blood. Normal ranges are 4.5-6.0 million cells/mm3 for men and 4.0-5.5 million cells/mm3 for women. (Women typically have lower counts than men due to blood loss through menstruation.)

 Hematocrit (HCT):

This screening measures how much of your blood is made of red blood cells (RBCs)—the proportion of red blood cells as a percentage of total blood volume. Normal hematocrit is 40-55% for men and 35-45% for women. A hematocrit measurement helps identify anemia, the presence of liver disease, bleeding disorders, and red cell production within the circulatory system. Hematocrit increases with altitude adaptation or dehydration. Women generally have lower hematocrit values than men. Some men on testosterone therapy have high hematocrit that can be managed if monitored.

 Hemoglobin (HGB):

The number of grams of hemoglobin in a deciliter of blood (g/dL). Average levels in healthy adults are 14-18 g/dL for men and 12-16 g/dL for women. As a rough guideline, hemoglobin should be about one-third of the hematocrit. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells (RBCs), enabling the cells to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Measuring hemoglobin gives a picture of the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to every cell of your body. A low hemoglobin level may indicate anemia. Hemoglobin increases with altitude adaptation. In general, women have lower hemoglobin values than men.

 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH Concentration (MCHC):

The amount or concentration of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) calculates the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside your red blood cells (RBCs). A high MCH indicates an increased level of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein, in your RBCs. Increases can be associated with anemia. Often, increased MCH occurs in conjunction with a high mean corpuscular volume—or large red blood cells-which suggest macrocytic anemia. A low MCH indicates that you have a decreased level of oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. Decreases can be associated with certain types of anemia. Often, decreases occur in conjunction with low mean corpuscular volume—or small RBCs—which suggest microcytic anemia. Hypochromic anemia, resulting from hemoglobin deficiency, can also be a possibility.

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) calculates the percentage of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the individual red blood cells (RBCs). A high MCHC indicates an increased level of hemoglobin in your RBCs. Increased MCHC is usually a technical rather than a medical issue. A high level may be caused by distortions in the shape of your RBCs caused by problems in the collection, transport, or storage of the blood sample. A low MCHC indicates a decreased level of hemoglobin in your RBCs. Decreases can be associated with certain types of anemia, such as iron deficiency or the hereditary disease thalassemia.

 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV):

The average size, or volume, of individual red blood cells. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of your red blood cells (RBCs). A high MCV indicates large or macrocytic RBCs. A high MCV is associated with specific varieties of anemia and can tell a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid. A low MCV indicates small, or microcytic, red blood cells. A low MCV is associated with anemia and can indicate an iron deficiency, chronic illness, or the hereditary disease, thalassemia. Iron deficiency can lead to smaller than normal red blood cells, while certain vitamin deficiencies and some drugs can produce more extensive than normal cells.

 Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW):

A measure of the size and uniformity of red blood cells.

 White Blood Cells

White blood cells (WBCs) are the body's protectors. Each of the five varieties of WBCs plays a specific role in defending your body against illness or injury.

White blood cells (leukocytes) carry out the body's immune responses. The CBC looks at the numbers of various types of white blood cells.

 White Blood Cell Count (WBC):

The total number of white blood cells in a quantity of blood. A healthy adult typically has 4,000-11,000 white blood cells/mm3. A WBC increase often indicates that a person is actively fighting an infection or has recently received a vaccine. Decreased WBC (leukopenia) can leave a person vulnerable to various pathogens and cancers.

 Differential: a report of the proportions of different types of white blood cells as a percentage of the total number of white cells; these percentages may be multiplied by the WBC to obtain absolute counts.

 Neutrophils:

A type of cell that fights bacterial infections. Neutrophilic granulocytes (“neutrophils”) are the most abundant white blood cell. Neutrophils usually make up 50-70% of all white blood cells. The risk of bacterial infection increases when the absolute neutrophil count falls below about 500-750 cells/mm3. Neutrophils are an essential component of the immune system. They respond to bacterial infections and other types of inflammation. In a condition, neutrophils seep out of the blood vessels in response to factors released as sites of infection. The predominant cells in pus that we observe in a wound are neutrophils.

 Lymphocytes:

There are two main types of lymphocytes. B cells produce antibodies that fight foreign invaders in the body, while T cells target infected or cancerous cells and help coordinate the overall immune response. An average lymphocyte count is 20-40% of all white blood cells. Lymphocytes are the second most common white blood cell (WBC). Lymphocytes are divided into larger cells, natural killer lymphocytes, and smaller cells, B and T lymphocytes. Natural killer cells are essential in our immune system to defend against tumors and viral infections. They respond to alterations in the surface of tumor cells and infected cells. B and T lymphocytes adapt to infected cells by either a cellular response mediated by T lymphocytes or antibodies mediated by B lymphocytes.

 Monocytes:

A type of cell that fights pathogens by engulfing and destroying them. Monocytes circulate in the blood for about 24 hours; when they leave the bloodstream and migrate into the tissues, they mature into macrophages. Monocytes and macrophages typically account for 2-10% of all white blood cells. Like the other white blood cells (WBCs), monocytes originate in the bone marrow, the complex spaces within many of our larger bones. Monocyteseat foreign intruders (phagocytosis) and kill infected cells. Monocytes are essential in triggering atherosclerosis that affects our arteries and can lead to heart disease and stroke.

 Eosinophils:

Cells that play a role in defense against parasites and allergic reactions. Eosinophilic granulocytes (“eosinophils”) are part of our immune system’s response to infection, including from parasites. They usually make up 0-6% of all white blood cells. Eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells are essential in allergic reactions and asthma.

 Basophils:

Another type of cell involved in allergic reactions is the release of histamine. They usually account for 1% or less of all white blood cells. Basophilic granulocytes (“basophils”) - are the least common of the five white blood cell types. When activated, basophils secrete or release many compounds, including histamine and interleukin-4. Both compounds are essential in the allergic response.

 Platelets

 Platelets (thrombocytes) are necessary for blood clotting. Averages are the smallest type of cell found in the blood. A normal platelet count is about 130,000-440,000 cells/mm3. Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) -- which can lead to easy bruising and excessive bleeding -- may be caused by certain drugs, autoimmune reactions, accelerated destruction by the spleen, or certain immune diseases. Platelets help stop bleeding after an injury by gathering around the injury site, plugging the hole in the bleeding vessel, and helping the blood clot more quickly. Platelet counts may be done if you are prone to bruising or about to have surgery. The platelet count may change with bleeding disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions.

MPV

Stands for Mean Platelet Volume. Platelet volume varies with the age of the platelets. Newer platelets are significantly larger than older ones.