Complete blood count

A complete blood count (CBC) is prescribed in various cases, including but not limited to:

A complete blood count (CBC), often referred to as a general or clinical blood test, is one of the most common and essential diagnostic and preventive procedures. This is because virtually every pathological process within the body will inevitably impact the blood composition and frequently manifest specific signs. As a result, a CBC is one of the quickest and most informative methods for assessing a patient’s condition and determining the course of treatment.

Furthermore, a complete blood count is a standard procedure during regular medical check-ups and before vaccination for various diseases. The doctor may also order this analysis before initiating treatment for a specific condition, aiming to identify any contraindications. For instance, if the platelet count is low, anticoagulants cannot be prescribed, as this may increase the risk of internal bleeding.

Blood sampling, also known as venipuncture, is a relatively straightforward procedure

Typically, a general blood analysis is performed using a blood sample taken from a finger. However, in certain cases, venous blood may be required, especially for more comprehensive testing that examines a wider range of indicators.

Just before drawing blood, an alcohol swab is used to clean one of the fingers on the left hand. A small incision, approximately 2-3 mm deep, is then made on the fingertip with a swift motion. The blood that emerges is collected using a special pipette and transferred into a thin flask or a specialized laboratory glass.

If venous blood is needed for a general analysis, the procedure involves the following steps:

1. A special tourniquet is applied to the patient’s forearm to help locate and access the vein more easily.
2. The injection site, typically on the inside of the elbow, is cleaned with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
3. A hollow needle is used to pierce the vein, and the blood sample is collected in a specialized flask.
4. Similar to the previous method, the obtained blood sample is transferred to a test tube and a laboratory glass for further analysis.

CBC is a straightforward procedure, and specific preparation is typically not necessary. However, doctors often advise patients to have the test done on an empty stomach, as dietary factors can influence the results. If multiple general analyses are required over a certain period (e.g., to monitor treatment effectiveness), it’s important to conduct the tests at the same time and under the same conditions for accurate comparison.

The indicators typically examined in a general blood test (complete blood count or CBC) include:

• Hemoglobin (Hb): Measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood.
• Hematocrit (Hct): Indicates the proportion of blood that consists of red blood cells.
• Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Measures the number of red blood cells in a specific volume of blood.
• White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Counts the total number of white blood cells in a blood sample.
• Platelet Count: Determines the number of platelets (cell fragments involved in blood clotting).
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Reflects the average volume of red blood cells.
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Indicates the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
• Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): Measures the variation in size and shape of red blood cells.
• Differential White Blood Cell Count: Breaks down the types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.