A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common blood test used to evaluate overall health and detect a variety of conditions, such as infections, anemia, and other blood disorders. The CBC measures different components of blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The CBC evaluates RBC count, hemoglobin levels (the protein that binds oxygen), and hematocrit (the proportion of blood composed of RBCs). Low RBC count or hemoglobin levels can indicate anemia, while high levels might suggest dehydration or other conditions. White blood cells are key players in the immune system, helping the body fight infections. The CBC measures the total WBC count and may include a WBC differential, which breaks down the different types of WBCs, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Abnormal WBC levels can signal infections, inflammation, or immune disorders. Platelets are involved in blood clotting, and the CBC provides a platelet count to assess clotting ability. Abnormal platelet levels can indicate bleeding disorders or bone marrow issues. Additionally, a CBC includes measurements such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and red cell distribution width (RDW), which offer insights into the size, shape, and hemoglobin content of RBCs
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of...