CBC - Complete Blood Count

Discounted Labs: CBC with Differential Test Guide

What is the purpose of conducting a CBC with differential testing?

A CBC with differential test provides detailed information about different types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps in diagnosing various conditions like infections, anemia, and leukemia by evaluating the quantity and quality of these blood components.

A complete blood count (CBC) with differential test panel measures several components 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 in your blood (which correlated with blood thickness), and Platelets, which help with blood clotting.

CBC with Differential: Understanding Key Insights

A complete blood count (CBC) with differential test panel measures several components of your blood, including red blood cells (RBC count), white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. This is also called a complete blood count test with differential and platelets. The CBC is a crucial blood test that provides valuable information about overall health, including the detection of conditions such as anemia, infection, and leukemia. The complete blood count (CBC) with differential is one of the most common laboratory tests performed today. It gives information about the production of all blood cells and identifies the patient's oxygen-carrying capacity through the evaluation of red blood cell (RBC) indices, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.

This CBC with Differential Panel Includes

Tests included:

• White blood cell count (WBC or leukocyte count)
• WBC differential count
• Red blood cell count (RBC or erythrocyte count)
• Hematocrit (Hct)
• Hemoglobin (Hbg)
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
• Red cell distribution width (RDW)
• Platelet count
• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)

Complete Blood Count: CBC Blood Test Panel

Whole blood is made up of various types of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. The complete blood count (CBC), also known as a full blood count (FBC), is an inventory of the different cellular components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The CBC provides valuable insights into the overall health of an individual's blood. It is a crucial tool that healthcare professionals use to identify and track a wide range of medical conditions, such as anemia, infections, and blood disorders. The National Cancer Institute defines the complete blood count as a quantitative measurement of the cellular elements in the blood. Blood cell counts, including the small amount of blood collected during the CBC, are typically reported as the number of cells in a cubic millimeter of blood (cells/mm3) or as a percentage of all blood cells.

 Red Blood Cells

 Red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells, bound to a molecule called hemoglobin. A reduction in red blood cells characterizes anemia, often leaving a person tired, weak, and short of breath. Several tests are used to help diagnose various types of anemia.

 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC):

The total number of red blood cells in a quantity of blood. Normal ranges are 4.5–6.0 million cells/mm3 for men and 4.0–5.5 million cells/mm3 for women. (Women typically have lower counts than men due to blood loss through menstruation.)

 Hematocrit (HCT):

This screening measures how much of your blood is made of red blood cells (RBCs)—the proportion of red blood cells as a percentage of total blood volume. Normal hematocrit is 40–55% for men and 35-45% for women. A hematocrit measurement helps identify anemia, the presence of liver disease, bleeding disorders, and red cell production within the circulatory system. Hematocrit increases with altitude adaptation or dehydration. Women generally have lower hematocrit values than men. Some men on testosterone therapy have high hematocrit that can be managed if monitored.

 Hemoglobin (HGB):

The number of grams of hemoglobin in a deciliter of blood (g/dL). Average levels in healthy adults are 14-18 g/dL for men and 12-16 g/dL for women. As a rough guideline, hemoglobin should be about one-third of the hematocrit. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells (RBCs), enabling the cells to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Measuring hemoglobin gives a picture of the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to every cell of your body. A low hemoglobin level may indicate anemia. Hemoglobin increases with altitude adaptation. In general, women have lower hemoglobin values than men.

 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH Concentration (MCHC):

The amount or concentration of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) calculates the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside your red blood cells (RBCs). A high MCH indicates an increased level of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein, in your RBCs. Increases can be associated with anemia. A high mean corpuscular volume, or large red blood cells, often goes along with an increase in MCH, which points to macrocytic anemia. A low MCH indicates that you have a decreased level of oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. Decreases can be associated with certain types of anemia. Often, decreases occur in conjunction with low mean corpuscular volume—or small RBCs—which suggest microcytic anemia. Hypochromic anemia, resulting from hemoglobin deficiency, can also be a possibility.

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) tells us how much oxygen-carrying hemoglobin is in each red blood cell (RBC). A high MCHC indicates an increased level of hemoglobin in your RBCs, which is commonly referred to as a high RBC. Increased MCHC is usually a technical rather than a medical issue. Problems with the collection, transport, or storage of the blood sample may result in distortions in the shape of your RBCs, which could lead to a high level. A low MCHC indicates a decreased level of hemoglobin in your RBCs. Decreases can be associated with certain types of anemia, such as iron deficiency or the hereditary disease thalassemia.

 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV):

The average size, or volume, of individual red blood cells. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of your red blood cells (RBCs). A high MCV indicates large or macrocytic RBCs. A high MCV is associated with specific varieties of anemia and can indicate a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid. A low MCV indicates small, or microcytic, red blood cells. A low MCV is associated with anemia, including mild anemia, and can indicate an iron deficiency, chronic illness, the hereditary disease thalassemia, or low RBC values. Iron deficiency can lead to smaller than normal red blood cells, while certain vitamin deficiencies and some drugs can produce more extensive than normal cells. When you get your CBC report, you’ll see two columns: a “reference range” and your results. If your results are inside the reference range, they’re considered normal. If your results are higher or lower than the reference range, they’re abnormal. Mild anemia is one of the most common reasons your results might be off.

 Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW):

A measure of the size and uniformity of red blood cells.

 White Blood Cells

White blood cells (WBCs) are the body's protectors. Each of the five varieties of WBCs plays a specific role in defending your body against illness or injury.

White blood cells (leukocytes) carry out the body's immune responses. The CBC looks at the numbers of various types of white blood cells.

 White Blood Cell Count (WBC):

The total number of white blood cells in a quantity of blood, known as the high white blood cell count (WBC), is an important indicator of immune system health. A healthy adult typically has 4,000–11,000 white blood cells/mm3. A high white blood cell count, also known as leukocytosis or high WBC count, can occur in infections, inflammation, and states of physiologic stress. Myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders are two examples of diseases that can cause it. A high white blood cell count indicates that a person is actively fighting an infection or experiencing inflammation. A low white blood cell count, known as leukopenia, may indicate a medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems, or types of cancer. It is crucial to monitor and investigate any significant increase or decrease in white blood cell count to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

 Differential: a report of the proportions of different types of white blood cells as a percentage of the total number of white cells; these percentages may be multiplied by the WBC to obtain absolute counts.

 Neutrophils:

A type of cell that fights bacterial infections. Neutrophilic granulocytes (“neutrophils”) are the most abundant white blood cell. Neutrophils usually make up 50–70% of all white blood cells. The risk of bacterial infection increases when the absolute neutrophil count falls below about 500–750 cells/mm3. Neutrophils are an essential component of the immune system. They respond to bacterial infections and other types of inflammation. In this condition, neutrophils seep out of the blood vessels in response to factors released as sites of infection. The predominant cells in pus that we observe in a wound are neutrophils.

 Lymphocytes:

There are two main types of lymphocytes. B cells produce antibodies that fight foreign invaders in the body, while T cells target infected or cancerous cells and help coordinate the overall immune response. An average lymphocyte count is 20–40% of all white blood cells. Lymphocytes are the second-most common white blood cell (WBC). Lymphocytes are divided into larger cells, natural killer lymphocytes, and smaller cells, B and T lymphocytes. Natural killer cells are essential in our immune system to defend against tumors and viral infections. They respond to alterations in the surface of tumor cells and infected cells. B and T lymphocytes adapt to infected cells either through a cellular response through T lymphocytes or through antibodies through B lymphocytes. Additionally, some T cells have the ability to attack and kill your body's own cells, including cancerous and virus-infected cells.

 Monocytes:

A type of cell that fights pathogens by engulfing and destroying them. Monocytes circulate in the blood for about 24 hours; when they leave the bloodstream and migrate into the tissues, they mature into macrophages. Monocytes and macrophages typically account for 2-10% of all white blood cells. Like the other white blood cells (WBCs), monocytes originate in the bone marrow, the complex spaces within many of our larger bones. Monocytes eat foreign intruders (phagocytosis) and kill infected cells. Monocytes are essential in triggering atherosclerosis, which affects our arteries and can lead to heart disease and stroke.

 Eosinophils:

Cells that play a role in defense against parasites and allergic reactions. Eosinophilic granulocytes (“eosinophils”) are part of our immune system’s response to infection, including from parasites. They usually make up 0-6% of all white blood cells. Eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells are essential in allergic reactions and asthma.

 Basophils:

Another type of cell involved in allergic reactions is histamine. They usually account for 1% or less of all white blood cells. Basophilic granulocytes ("basophils") are the least common of the five white blood cell types. When activated, basophils secrete or release many compounds, including histamine and interleukin-4. Both compounds are essential in the allergic response.

 Platelets

Platelets (thrombocytes) are necessary for blood clotting. Averages are the smallest type of cell found in the blood. A normal platelet count is about 130,000–440,000 cells/mm3. Low platelet counts, or thrombocytopenia, can make it easy to get bruises and bleed a lot. This can happen because of some medications, autoimmune reactions, spleen damage that happens too quickly, or certain immune diseases. Platelets help stop bleeding after an injury by gathering around the injury site, plugging the hole in the bleeding vessel, and helping the blood clot more quickly. Platelet counts may be done if you are prone to bruising or about to have surgery. The platelet count may change with bleeding disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions. Thrombocytosis, meaning a high platelet count, may occur in states of inflammation or trauma, as well as in iron deficiency, and the platelet count may reach exceptionally high levels in people with essential thrombocythemia, a rare blood disease. Having too many platelets is called thrombocytosis, and it is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular complications from blood clots.

MPV

Stands for Mean Platelet Volume. Platelet volume varies with the age of the platelets. Newer platelets are significantly larger than older ones.

Summary

In conclusion, understanding the results of a CBC with differential testing can provide key insights into a patient's overall health and help diagnose a variety of conditions, including cancer treatment. By analyzing the different components of the test, such as the white blood cell count and the differential count, healthcare professionals can gain a better understanding of potential underlying issues and develop effective treatment plans for cancer patients. It is important for both patients and healthcare providers to understand the significance of these test results and work together to address any concerns or issues that may arise during cancer treatment.