CBC Interpretation
 
Introduction

WBCs

RBCs Platelets

Sources of Error

Thanks to...

Quiz Please

It's not as easy as it looks. CBC means complete blood count.

Complete means: complete. You know, it's got a lot of stuff

  • Always remember the numbers must match the clinical situation.
    • Hard as it is to believe, mistakes do happen.
    • Sampling errors (the cellular elements must be kept evenly suspended for the machine to make an accurate measurement).
    • Clerical errors.
  • Quantity and quality of cellular elements are both reported in a CBC.
    • Number
    • Size
    • Population distribution
    • Presence of abnormal, immature or reactive cells.
    • Cells that just don't belong (circulating cancer cells).
  
  
  
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