FULL BLOOD COUNT: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

FULL BLOOD COUNT

A Full Blood Count (FBC), also known as a Complete Blood Count (CBC), is a common medical test that provides valuable information about the components of blood. This test measures various parameters to evaluate the overall health of an individual.

What Does a Full Blood Count Test Measure?

A standard FBC test typically includes the following components:

1. Haemoglobin (HB): Measures the amount of haemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen.
2. Hematocrit (HCT): Measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood.
3. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Counts the number of red blood cells.
4. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Measures the average size of red blood cells.
5. Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH): Measures the average amount of haemoglobin in red blood cells.
6. Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Measures the average concentration of haemoglobin in red blood cells.
7. White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Counts the number of white blood cells, which fight infections.
8. Differential Count: Measures the percentage of different types of white blood cells (e.g., neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes).
9. Platelet Count: Counts the number of platelets, which aid in blood clotting.

Why is a Full Blood Count Test Performed?

An FBC test is commonly ordered to:

1. Diagnose and monitor anemia: Low red blood cell count or hemoglobin level.
2. Detect infections: Abnormal white blood cell count.
3. Monitor blood disorders: Leukemia, lymphoma, or bleeding disorders.
4. Monitor medication effects: Certain medications can affect blood cell production.

Normal Ranges

Reference values may vary slightly depending on the laboratory:

1. Hemoglobin (Hb): 13.5–17.5 g/dL (male), 12–16 g/dL (female)
2. Hematocrit (Hct): 40–54% (male), 37–48% (female)
3. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 4.32–5.72 million/μL (male), 3.90–5.03 million/μL (female)
4. White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 4,500–11,000/μL
5. Platelet Count: 150,000–450,000/μL

 Abnormal Results

Abnormal FBC results may indicate various conditions, such as:

1. Anemia: Low hemoglobin or red blood cell count.
2. Infection: Elevated white blood cell count.
3. Blood disorders: Leukemia, lymphoma, or bleeding disorders.
4. Nutritional deficiencies: Low vitamin B12 or iron levels.

Conclusion

A Full Blood Count test provides essential information about the components of blood, helping healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. Understanding the different parameters and normal ranges enables individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

References

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Complete Blood Count (CBC).
2. American Society for Clinical Pathology. (2020). Complete Blood Count (CBC).
3. Mayo Clinic Laboratories. (2022). Complete Blood Count (CBC).