What’s a blood count?

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A complete blood count is a term used to describe the various types of cells found in a person’s or animal’s blood. Having this information can help a doctor determine what might be wrong with a patient, or at least rule out some possibilities. The primary test used to do this is often called a complete blood count because it gives doctors an opportunity to look at your white blood cell count, red blood cell count, platelet count, and other key factors.

In most cases, an individual’s results are compared to baseline standards, usually a range, of what is considered normal. In some cases, the patient’s previous tests can be compared to the current test to determine what changes have occurred, which can also help detail any progression of a disease. These counts may be slightly outside the normal range and shouldn’t be a cause for concern, but they may prompt a doctor to order more tests or initiate a certain treatment procedure.

One of the key factors in a blood test is the problem of white blood cells. If more are found than are normally found in a healthy individual, it could indicate that white blood cells are being made to fight an infection. A low number could indicate an immune deficiency of some kind. Either way, the cause of the unusual white blood cell count could be a cause for concern, and your doctor may need to tread very carefully with a plan to make a firmer diagnosis.

Red blood cells are also a concern in a blood count. A low red blood cell count means that areas of the body may not be getting enough oxygen, a condition known as anemia. In these cases, the doctor’s main goal is to find the underlying cause, which could be something as simple as an iron deficiency or something more serious like leukemia.

Platelet count is also the focus of a blood count. These form the main blood clotting mechanism in the body. A low platelet count can mean a large amount of internal or external bleeding, depending on the situation. If internal bleeding is a problem, a blood count may prompt your doctor to do imaging tests in an attempt to find the location of the problem.

In most cases, a complete blood count can offer clues about a disease, but often it is only one step in the diagnostic process. Rarely do these tests actually identify the problem with any degree of certainty. Therefore, these tests must be considered together with all other available tests in order to choose the correct diagnosis and course of treatment.

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