Test Descriptions

CBC (Complete Blood Count), Differential, and Platelet Count:

The CBC is considered routine and is the most commonly performed blood test. It is used as a screening test for anemia and is also used in conjunction with treatments for other diseases. The CBC also measures the oxygen carrying substance in the blood, Hemoglobin. The CBC, Differential, and Platelet Count consist of several measurements of the number, size, and quality of white blood cells, red blood cells, and blood platelets.

1. White Blood Cells (WBC) - WBCs protect the body against bacteria, so an increased WBC level is indicative of infection.
2. Red Blood Cells (RBC) - RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, where the oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide and carried back to the lungs.
3. Hemoglobin - The effectiveness of RBCs to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide is directly related to the quality and quantity of hemoglobin present within the red blood cells.
4. Hematocrit - A measure of the percentage of blood that is made up of red blood cells. The hemoglobin and hematocrit are positively correlated; when on is low or high, the other will be too.
5. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) - A measurement that describes the average size of the red blood cells. Small RBCs may be deficient in iron; large RBCs may be deficient in folic acid or Vitamin B12.
6. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)- This measurement describes the ability of the hemoglobin to carry oxygen within an average red blood cell.
7. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) - This measurement provides information about the quantity of hemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells.

*If an abnormal RBC, low hemoglobin, and low hematocrit are identified, the MCV, MCH, and MCHC help identify the type of anemia that is present.

Differential: A measurement of the varieties of leukocytes (WBCs). Leukocytes act as scavengers helping to fight infections.

Platelet Count: Platelets band together to stop bleeding. When the level is high,
There is a danger of blood clotting. When there is a deficiency, uncontrolled bleeding may occur.