The Complete Blood Count (CBC) stands as one of the most routine blood examinations and is often included in regular health checkups.
This comprehensive test aids in identifying various blood-related conditions such as anemia, infections, clotting disorders, blood cancers, and immune system irregularities. It assesses numerous components of the blood, as elaborated below:
Red Blood Cells
These cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. Irregular levels of red blood cells may indicate conditions like anemia, dehydration, bleeding, or other disorders.
White Blood Cells
Part of the immune system, white blood cells combat infections and diseases. Deviations in white blood cell levels may signal infections, blood cancers, or immune system malfunctions. The CBC measures the overall count of white blood cells, while a CBC with differential analyzes the proportions of different white blood cell types.
Platelets
Platelets are fragments of blood cells crucial for clot formation to halt bleeding. Abnormal platelet levels could indicate clotting or bleeding disorders.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in red blood cells, carries oxygen throughout the body. Anomalies in hemoglobin levels may indicate anemia, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or other blood disorders. Additionally, elevated hemoglobin A1c levels can signify excessive glucose in the blood, particularly relevant for diabetes management.
Hematocrit
This measures the volume of red blood cells in the blood. High levels may indicate dehydration, while low levels could signify anemia or other blood disorders.
Mean Corpuscular Volume
MCV gauges the average size of red blood cells. Deviations in MCV levels may suggest anemia or thalassemia.
Blood Chemistry Tests/Basic Metabolic Panel
The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) comprises tests that evaluate various chemicals in the blood, providing insights into muscle, bone, and organ health, including kidney and liver function. Components include blood glucose, calcium, electrolytes, and kidney function tests, which may require fasting beforehand, as instructed by your doctor.