The full form of CBC panel is Complete Blood Count panel.
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) panel is a common blood test used to evaluate overall health and detect a wide array of conditions, according to a reference, including:
- Anemia
- Infections
- Leukemia
Understanding the CBC Panel
The CBC panel measures different components of your blood, including:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These cells carry oxygen throughout your body. A CBC test can determine the quantity and condition of your RBCs.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): These cells are crucial for your immune system, fighting off infections and diseases. The CBC assesses both the number and types of WBCs.
- Platelets: Platelets help your blood to clot. The CBC measures the count of platelets.
- Hemoglobin: This is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Hematocrit: This is the proportion of red blood cells in your blood.
- Red Blood Cell Indices: This provides information about the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells.
Why is a CBC Panel Performed?
Doctors order a CBC panel for a variety of reasons:
- Routine Health Checkups: It is often included as part of regular checkups to monitor general health.
- Diagnosing Illnesses: It can help identify the cause of symptoms like fatigue, fever, weakness, or bruising.
- Monitoring Conditions: If you are undergoing treatment for a condition affecting your blood or overall health, the test can monitor the efficacy of treatment.
- Pre-Surgery Evaluation: A CBC test may be performed to assess your health before surgery.
Components of a CBC Panel
| Blood Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Red Blood Cells (RBC) | Carry oxygen |
| White Blood Cells (WBC) | Fight infections and diseases |
| Platelets | Help with blood clotting |
| Hemoglobin | Protein in RBCs that carries oxygen |
| Hematocrit | Proportion of red blood cells in blood |
| Red Blood Cell Indices | Provide information about the size and hemoglobin content of RBCs |
