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Important: A CBC is not a definitive test, so numbers outside of the normal range may or may not require follow-up. The test also visually checks red blood cells for any abnormalities. The CBC differential test provides detail about white blood cells – including the size, shape and percentage of each of the five subtypes – to help pinpoint an illness or allergy.Your healthcare provider will order additional tests to diagnose the cause. An abnormally low count may be associated with a disorder such as leukemia or lupus. Platelets are important for blood clotting.A high count usually indicates an infection or inflammation, though it can be due to many of the same causes as a low count. A low count may be caused by cancer, an immune disorder, bone marrow issue or simply a reaction to medication. White blood cells help your body fight illness and infections.Corpuscle (cell) sizes and their variations are also examined to provide additional diagnostic clues. Abnormally high results could point to a condition such as polycythemia vera or heart disease. Lower-than-normal counts may indicate anemia. Red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit all play roles in transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout your body.Between 150 and 450 billion cells/liter.Between 3.5 and 10.5 billion cells/liter.
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Between 34.9 and 44.5 percent for women.Between 120 and 155 grams/liter for women.Between 135 and 175 grams/liter for men.Between 3.90 and 5.03 trillion cells/liter for women.Between 4.32 and 5.72 trillion cells/liter for men.It screens for anemia or other blood disorders and can detect infections. Why: This test of the cells in your blood is used to help diagnose and monitor treatment for a large number of conditions. What it is: The CBC is a blood test primarily intended to measure your: Note: “Normal” ranges shown here are approximate, since labs tend to have their own definitions.Ĭommon blood count (CBC) with differential Regan Chan, a family medicine physician with the UCI Health Medical Group – Orange, here’s a primer to help you better understand these tests. Routine lab tests, while commonly performed, are less commonly discussed with patients unless there is an issue. If you have a choice of labs, keep in mind that UCI Health has expanded its laboratory locations throughout Orange County and in Long Beach, while the lab at UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange is now open Saturdays. Why? What tests are run? What can the results indicate? When you visit your doctor for a routine physical, the protocol often includes a small blood draw and a urine sample.
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