Explore Courses

CBC Full Form - Common Blood Count

Updated on 08 May, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

What is CBC? The full form of CBC is Common Blood Count. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) ascertains the variety of cells in the blood. It also contains some helpful information on additional blood cell type-related characteristics. The main distinction between CBP and CBC, which are similar in the descriptions given above, is that a CBP or hemogram provides you with total WBC, RBC, and platelets.

That's all you need if you are hemorrhaging or low on oxygen. It's used to assess general health and identify a variety of illnesses, such as leukemia, anemia, and infections. Unusual cell count increases or declines can be seen with a full blood count. These alterations may indicate a health issue that need additional examinations.

CBC Elements 

Several elements in a person's blood can be found with a Complete Blood Picture (CBP), including:-

Red blood cells, which are part of our circulatory system, carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Oxygen molecules are transported by hemoglobin. The CBP test measures hemoglobin, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and RBC count.

White Blood Cells support the body's defense against infections. Numerous illnesses and disorders can be diagnosed and treated with the help of several types of white blood cells. For instance, lymphocytes help assess viral infections, eosinophils help identify allergic reactions, and neutrophils help detect bacterial infections. The CBP test measures DC, or total white blood cells, which carry oxygen.

To put it briefly, platelets help with blood coagulation. Platelets are parts of megakaryocytes, which are large cells that bleed when an injury or infection occurs. The cluster of blood cells that forms at the site of bleeding is called platelet aggregation. The function of platelets is to halt blood flow during an injury or disease. Platelet count, MPV, BT, and CT (Computer Tomography) are all measured by the CBP test.

When aberrant increases or decreases in cell counts are seen in a Complete Blood Picture (CBP), it may be a sign of an underlying medical issue that requires more investigation.

Why is the CBC Test Done?

A routine blood test called a CBP may be recommended for a number of reasons. The CBP test is used for the following reasons:-

  • Examine Your General Health: There are several reasons why the doctor might prescribe this test. It could be utilized as a follow-up test to monitor the efficacy of treatments or as part of a regular examination or screening.
  • To Determine the Nature of an Illness: Certain symptoms can be traced back to their source with the use of a Complete Blood Picture (CBP). In the event that you have fatigue, weakness, fever, bruises, inflammation, or bleeding, your doctor might advise a complete blood count. The test can confirm the infection diagnosis if your doctor has any suspicions about it.
  • To Monitor a Medical Condition: If the patient has been diagnosed with a blood condition that impacts their blood cell count, the physician could suggest a Complete Blood Picture (CBP) to assess the patient's health. Anemia, which is caused by a number of reasons, may be indicated by a low hemoglobin level or red blood cell count. Two causes of a high hemoglobin or red blood cell count are bone marrow infections and low blood oxygen levels.
  • Aids in Understanding Medical Treatment: If the patient takes any particular medications that may impact the blood count, the doctor may suggest a full blood test to assess the patient's health. For instance, thrombocytopenia, or low platelet counts, may be the cause of prolonged bleeding or other medical conditions that affect the production of platelets in the bone marrow. Conversely, thrombocytosis, or a high platelet count, can point to a serious inflammatory condition or problem with the bone marrow.

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

See More