What is the function of a complete blood count (CBC)?

The function of a complete blood count (CBC) is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's overall health and detect a variety of disorders. The CBC measures several components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. By analyzing these components, healthcare providers can identify conditions such as infections, inflammation, anemia, and various hematological disorders, making it a crucial tool in diagnostics.

Since the CBC assesses both the quantity and quality of blood cells, it can effectively signal the presence of infections through elevated white blood cell counts, inflammation, or underlying hematological issues like leukemias or anemias. The insights gained from a CBC can lead to further diagnostic steps, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring the effectiveness of those treatments.

In contrast, determining blood type for transfusions pertains specifically to the blood grouping process, assessing electrolyte levels involves measuring specific minerals in the blood like sodium, potassium, and chloride, while measuring blood glucose levels focuses on assessing sugar levels in the blood. These processes are separate from the goals of a CBC.