Abstract
The aim of this review is to assist non-hematologist effective means of interpreting complete blood cell (CBC) counts results especially when encountered with abnormal result for intellectually rewarding practice and to recognize when a subspecialty consultation is reasonable and when it may be circumvented. A complete blood cell count is routine hematology tests in medicine useful for the differential diagnosis of anemia and other medical conditions. A good percentage of CBC results are reported as abnormal, therefore it is in every clinician’s interest to have some understanding of the specific test basics as well as a structured action plan when confronted with abnormal results. It is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood, which consists: red blood cell (RBC) counts, red cell indices, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell (WBC) count, classification of white blood cells (WBC differential) and platelet count. CBC provides valuable information about the blood and to some extent the bone marrow, which is the blood-forming tissue. CBC can be use for the following purposes: as a preoperative test to ensure both adequate oxygen carrying capacity and hemostasis, to identify acute and chronic illness, bleeding tendencies, and white blood cell disorders such as leukemia, to monitor a medical condition and changes in the body system caused by medical treatments, to determine the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy on blood cell production. CBC can be performed manually using visual examination or automation by fluorescence flow cytometry and impedance. In conclusion, CBC and peripheral blood examination are one of the most commonly ordered tests that provides important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, abnormalities in any of these types of blood cells may indicate the presence of important medical disorders.
Published Version
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