You probably have a blood problem or are exhibiting symptoms that call for additional examination if you have been advised to see a hematologist for a complete blood count (CBC) test. A CBC is a common blood test that counts and classifies the different cell types in your blood. Your hematologist can use this test to diagnose a variety of disorders, such as anemia, infection, and leukemia. Before and after your CBC test, ask your hematologist the following questions. Prior to your CBC test: Why do I need a CBC test, and what is it? 2. How should I get ready for the exam, and should I fast beforehand? 3. How long will the test last, and will it hurt? 4. What conclusions may I draw from the test results? Following your CBC test: What do my CBC test results indicate?
2. Are my results normal? If not, what does this mean? 3. What other exams or treatments must I have? 4. What medical choices are there for my disease, and what are the risks and advantages of each?
A CBC test counts and classifies the different blood cell types, including white blood cells (WBCs). WBC counts that are high or low might both point to an illness or a compromised immune system. Numerous infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, can be found using a CBC test. Your hematologist may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and choose the most appropriate course of therapy because it cannot pinpoint the precise type of infection.
Age, sex, and other factors affect the normal range for a CBC test. The following ranges, however, are typical for adults:
RBCs: 4.5–5.5 million cells per milliliter (mcL) Hemoglobin (Hb) ranges from 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL. – 38.8 to 50.0% Hematocrit
– 80–100 fL for Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) WBCs range from 4,500 to 11,000 cells per milliliter (mcL) – Platelets (PLTs): 150,000–450,000 cells per milliliter What Does a Complete Blood Count Show, Likewise?
– The oxygen-carrying red blood cells (RBCs) that circulate through your body – Hemoglobin (Hb), a protein that aids RBCs in carrying oxygen – Hematocrit (Hct), the proportion of red blood cells in your blood – Your RBCs’ size, known as the Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) – White blood cells (WBCs), which battle illness and infection – Platelets (PLTs), which aid in the clotting of your blood A variety of illnesses, such as anemia, infection, inflammation, leukemia, and bleeding problems, can be detected by abnormal CBC findings. What Are the Two Disorders That Lead to Polycythemia?
1. Primary polycythemia, also known as polycythemia vera, is a rare form of blood cancer that develops when your bone marrow makes an excessive amount of platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. The symptoms of this illness include weakness, itching, and sweating.
2. Secondary polycythemia, a condition when your body overproduces red blood cells in reaction to low oxygen levels, such as in patients with lung disease or those who live at high elevations. Shortness of breath, headaches, and vertigo are possible symptoms of this disorder.
In conclusion, a CBC test is a straightforward blood test that can yield important health-related data. You can better comprehend the testing procedure, evaluate your results, and engage with your hematologist to create an appropriate treatment plan by asking your hematologist the questions mentioned above.