What makes up a cbc test

Or, it could indicate that you have an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. A high white blood cell count can also be a reaction to medication. For specifics about what your complete blood count results mean if they fall outside the normal ranges, talk to your doctor.

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Overview A complete blood count CBC is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia. A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood Platelets, which help with blood clotting.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Complete blood count. Lab Tests Online. Accessed Aug. CBC with differential, blood. A CBC counts the cells and measures the levels of different substances in your blood. There are many reasons your levels may fall outside the normal range. For instance:. If any of your levels are abnormal, it does not necessarily indicate a medical problem needing treatment.

Diet, activity level, medications, a women's menstrual cycle, and other considerations can affect the results. Talk to your health care provider to learn what your results mean. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. A complete blood count is only one tool your health care provider uses to learn about your health. Your medical history, symptoms, and other factors will be considered before a diagnosis.

Additional testing and follow-up care may also be recommended. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. What is a complete blood count? A complete blood count or CBC is a blood test that measures many different parts and features of your blood, including: Red blood cells , which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body White blood cells , which fight infection.

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