Most likely, your doctor at some point has ordered a CBC test for you, and you may be wondering what it is and what they are looking for. It is a common test that requires blood to be drawn and sent to a lab for analysis. It stands for Complete Blood Count and reviews your blood cell levels (red, white, platelets).
At Hampton Family Practice, we believe that the more you know, the better prepared you are to partner with us to achieve your best health. Our providers share some commonly asked answers to questions about CBC tests below:
What Does It Entail? What Is It Testing For?
Blood tests can tell a doctor a lot about your overall health. A CBC test can reveal numerous conditions such as leukemia, anemia, cancer, and other infections. The test specifically measures:
- Blood platelets
- White Blood Cells
- Red Blood Cells
- Hemoglobin
- Hematocrit
It’s a quick procedure, only taking a few minutes. A lab technician will draw blood from a vein in your arm or top of your hand, then sent it for lab processing. You don’t need to fast for a CBC test; however, doctors will often order additional tests to be run at the same time, which may require fasting, such as cholesterol or glucose tests.
Why Is It Requested?
Your doctor may run this as part of your annual physical, as it gives them a good review of your overall health. They may also do it to screen for a medical condition or monitor a current health problem. Because some medications or treatments can impact your blood cells, they may also order a CBC test to monitor your blood cell count.
How Does a Doctor Use the Results for Your Health?
The test results are reviewed by your doctor to identify possible infections or disorders. If your results come back as abnormal (your blood cell count may be too high or low), it could signify a health problem that needs to be treated. For example, if your doctor finds that you are anemic, they may recommend iron supplements and order routine CBC tests to evaluate your blood’s iron levels. Once your doctor has determined a health condition does exist, they can properly treat and monitor it.
At Hampton Family Practice, our team is committed to providing top notch healthcare that answers all of your questions. Schedule your annual physical exam and bloodwork by contacting us today!