Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) without Differential is a fundamental blood test that provides a snapshot of your overall health. It measures the three main types of cells in your blood: red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which help with blood clotting). This test is crucial for detecting a wide range of conditions, such as anemia, infections, and certain other medical disorders. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) without Differential is one of the most commonly ordered blood test, providing essential information about the cells circulating in your blood. This panel serves as a broad screening tool that can help detect various health issues at an early stage. This test provides a quantitative assessment of three major cell types: Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. The test measures the total RBC count, along with hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein) and hematocrit (the proportion of blood made up of RBCs). It also includes RBC indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW), which evaluate the size, color, and uniformity of your red blood cells, critical for diagnosing different types of anemia. White Blood Cells (WBCs): These cells are a cornerstone of your immune system. An elevated WBC count can indicate an infection or inflammation, while a low count may suggest a weakened immune system. This test provides a total WBC count but does not break it down into the different types of white blood cells (e.g., neutrophils, lymphocytes). Platelets: These are tiny cell fragments that play a vital role in blood clotting. The test measures the platelet count, which is important for assessing your risk of excessive bleeding or abnormal clotting.

No specific preparation is required for this test. You do not need to fast. However, being properly hydrated can make the blood draw process easier and ensure sample quality.

Consider a Complete Blood Count (CBC) without Differential test if you are:

• Experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
• Noticing unusual bruising or bleeding that is difficult to stop.
• Suspecting an infection, indicated by fever, chills, or other symptoms.
• Undergoing a routine physical examination or annual health screening.
• Needing to evaluate for potential anemia, infection, or inflammation.
• Monitoring a chronic medical condition or the effectiveness of a treatment that may affect blood cells.

• Individuals seeking a baseline assessment of their overall health.
• Those experiencing general symptoms like persistent fatigue, weakness, or unexplained aches.
• Anyone concerned about their risk for anemia or a bleeding disorder.
• People with a family history of blood disorders.
• Patients monitoring their health while on certain medications that can affect blood cell counts.

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) without Differential is commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions, including:

• Anemia: Identifying various types, such as iron deficiency or chronic disease-related anemia, by evaluating red blood cell parameters.
• Infections & Inflammation: Detecting the presence of an infection or inflammatory process by measuring the total number of white blood cells.
• Leukemia and Other Blood Cancers: Serving as an initial screen for abnormalities in blood cell counts that may suggest a hematologic malignancy.
• Bone Marrow Disorders: Providing insight into the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate numbers of healthy blood cells.
• Bleeding & Clotting Disorders: Identifying potential issues such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or thrombocytosis (high platelet count).
• Dehydration or Fluid Overload: Changes in hematocrit and other indices can sometimes reflect your body's hydration status.

It is important to discuss your test results with a healthcare provider, as they can interpret the findings in the context of your medical history and overall health. This test provides valuable information, but it is just one piece of your health puzzle and should be interpreted alongside other clinical findings. The provided sample report is for a similar panel and may show a "WBC Differential" section, which will not be included in your results for this specific test.

RDW is a Powerful Predictor of Mortality and Disease Severity

The Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), a standard part of a complete blood count (CBC), is a powerful predictor of mortality and disease severity.

While traditionally used to diagnose anemia, an elevated RDW is now recognized as a key indicator of systemic inflammation and stress. This makes the simple, inexpensive test a crucial tool for identifying high-risk patients across many conditions, including heart failure, sepsis, and cancer.

Higher red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with breast cancer: A retrospective analysis of NHANES data (1999–2018)

Red blood cell distribution width to albumin ratio is linked to all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study

This study found that a higher RDW-to-albumin ratio (RAR), a novel marker of inflammation, is a significant predictor of mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Patients with a high RAR had increased death rates at 28 days, in the hospital, and in the ICU. The association was even stronger in patients who also had diabetes. The study concludes that the RAR is a potentially valuable and practical tool for identifying a poor prognosis in these high-risk patients.

Red blood cell distribution width to albumin ratio is linked to all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a widely used blood test that provides crucial information about the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It serves as an excellent screening tool to evaluate your general health, identify various hematologic disorders, and monitor the effects of certain medications or treatments.