Complete Blood Count/Hematology
- White Blood Cell Count (WBC) - The infection fighting cells of the immune system found in the blood. Lowered or elevated levels may be associated with a disease process.
- Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) - Measures the number of oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Lowered levels associated with anemia, elevated levels associated with smoking and several diseases.
- Hemoglobin (HGB) - Measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the RBC. Significant increases or decreases can be seen in anemia or RBC disease.
- Hematocrit (HCT) - Measures the oxygen-carrying capability of the blood by measuring the percentage of blood made-up of red blood cells. Significant decreases are one indicator of anemia.
- MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW - Collectively called "indices", these tests measure size and other characteristics of the red blood cells. They can be used to further define the causes of an anemia state. An isolated abnormal value probably has little clinical significance, but can only be confirmed by your physician.
- Platelet Count - These are small packages of clotting materials in the blood. Too many cause problems with unnecessary clotting; too few may cause excessive bleeding. Certain conditions alter this count.
- Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Neutrophils, Eosinophils - Different types of WBCs. They may be used to evaluate allergic reactions or differentiate between bacteria, viral or parasitic infections.
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