Complete Blood Count (CBC)
What is the complete blood count test (CBC)?
The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood
tests. The complete blood count is the calculation of the cellular (formed
elements) of blood. These calculations are generally determined by special
machines that analyze the different components of blood in less than a minute.
A major portion of the complete blood count is the measure of the
concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and
platelets in the blood.
How is the complete blood count test (CBC) done?
The complete blood count (CBC) test is performed by obtaining a few milliliters (one
to two teaspoons) of
blood sample directly form the patient. It can be done in many settings
including the doctor's office, laboratories, and hospitals. The skin
is wiped clean with an alcohol pad, and then a needle is inserted through the
area of cleansed skin into to patient's vein (one that can be visualized from
the skin.) The blood is then pulled from the needle by a syringe or by a
connection to a special vacuumed vial where it is collected. This sample is then
taken to the laboratory for
analysis.
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