The results of a CBC can provide information about not only the number of cell types but also can give an indication of the size, shape, and some of the physical characteristics of the cells. In addition, a WBC differential (identifies different types of WBCs) may be ordered and can be done on the same instrument or performed manually.

Significant abnormalities in one or more of the cell populations may require visual confirmation by observing a blood smear under a microscope. In this test, a drop of blood is placed on a glass slide, smeared into a thin layer, allowed to dry, and then dyed with a special stain. A Clinical Laboratory Scientist can then evaluate the physical characteristics of the red and white blood cells present. Any additional information is noted and reported to the doctor.

Blood consists of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. These cells - the RBCs, WBCs, and platelets - are produced and mature primarily in the bone marrow. Under normal circumstances, they are released into the bloodstream as needed.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)
There are five different types of WBCs that the body uses to maintain a healthy state and to fight infections or other causes of injury. They are neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes. They are present in the blood at relatively stable percentages. These numbers may temporarily shift higher or lower depending on what is going on in the body. For instance, an infection can stimulate a higher concentration of neutrophils (a “shift to the left”) to fight off bacterial infection. With allergies, there may be an increased number of eosinophils that release certain chemicals (anti-histamines) that minimize the allergic effect. Lymphocytes may be stimulated to produce immunoglobulins (antibodies). And in certain disease states, such as leukemia, abnormal and immature white cells (blasts) rapidly multiply, increasing the WBC count.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
RBCs are pale red in color and shaped like a donut with a thinner section in the middle instead of a hole. They have hemoglobin inside them, a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. The CBC determines whether there are sufficient RBCs present and whether the population of RBCs appears to be normal. RBCs are normally all the same size and shape; however, variations can occur with vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, iron deficiency, and with a variety of other conditions. If there are insufficient normal RBCs present, the patient is said to have anemia and may have symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. Much less frequently, there may be too many RBCs in the blood (erythrocytosis or polycythemia). In extreme cases, this can interfere with the flow of blood through the veins and arteries.

Platelets
Platelets are special cell fragments that play an important role in blood clotting. If a patient does not have enough platelets, he will be at an increased risk of excessive bleeding and bruising. The CBC measures the number and size of platelets present. With some conditions and in some people, there may be giant platelets or platelet clumps that are difficult for the hematology instrument to accurately measure. In this case, a blood smear test may be necessary.