CBC Interpretation
 
Introduction

WBCs

RBCs   Platelets

Sources of Error

Thanks to...

Quiz Please

 Like everything else in the CBC, it's quality and quantity. 
  • Numbers of platelets
    • Too many
      • How high? Could it be a reaction to recent hemorrhage?
      • Patient's age? Kids tend to have higher values.
      • Run away production; malignant or benign (?)
    • Too few
      • The bone marrow can't make them.
      • They're being destroyed or used up peripherally.
  • Are the platelets functioning?
    • Snockered with some medication, like aspirin.
    • Snockered because of a disease like renal failure or multiple myeloma.


It's not as easy as "Just give me the numbers. I'm the Doc, I'll figure it out." 

  • The values have to fit the clinical situation.
Here's a simple example.                                                            Back

Main Index | Slide Table of Contents | Case Studies Table of Contents