Afterwards, you may have minor bruising, but it will clear up within a few days. In young infants, a nurse will typically sterilize the heel of the foot and use a small needle called a lancet to prick the area. The nurse will then gently squeeze the heel and collect a small amount of blood in a vial for testing.
Test results will vary based on your blood cell counts. Here are the normal results for adults, but different labs may deliver slight variations:. A CBC is not a definitive diagnostic test. Blood cell counts that are too high or too low could signal a wide variety of conditions. Specialized tests are needed to diagnose a specific condition. Conditions that could cause an abnormal CBC and may require additional testing include:.
If your CBC shows abnormal levels, your doctor may order another blood test to confirm results. They may also order other tests to help further evaluate your condition and confirm a diagnosis. White blood cells, or WBCs, are an important part of your immune system. They help fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs. An eosinophil count is a type of blood test that measures the quantity of eosinophils in your body. An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell.
A blood differential test, also known as a white blood cell count differential, measures the number of different types of white blood cells in your…. The test is usually part of a complete blood count….
A hematocrit test is a measurement of the red blood cells in your blood. Learn how it's done and what the results can mean. Learn about a blood smear, including why it's done, what to expect during it, and how to interpret its results. Testing can help assess your risk of excessive bleeding or developing…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. At the lab, a phlebotomist a person trained to draw blood for medical testing will use a needle to collect a vial sometimes more than one of blood.
The blood is most often collected from a vein on the inside of your elbow or on the back of your hand. The CBC test takes only a few minutes. The results are usually available to your doctor by the following day. In emergency situations, CBC results can be reported in an hour. The report will include the number of red blood cells and white blood cells. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen throughout your body.
A low red blood cell count could mean that you have anemia. White blood cells are warriors that fight infections. A high white blood cell count could mean that you have an infection. Blood count is also affected by altitude. The higher up you are, the more oxygen you need red blood cells. Following the CBC, your doctor will evaluate the results. If your blood count is normal, you will not need to do anything.
Your doctor will explain your results and advise if any follow-up is needed. Having CBC lab work done poses very little risk to your health. However, anytime the skin is broken even by a sterilized needle , there is always a slight risk of infection. You should also keep in mind that some blood may pool under the skin, causing a bruise after the test.
If you are scared of needles, you may experience general anxiety about the test. Some people who are prone to fainting may faint during the test or can feel lightheaded. A high white blood cell count can also be a reaction to medication. For specifics about what your complete blood count results mean if they fall outside the normal ranges, talk to your doctor.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A complete blood count CBC is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia. A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood Platelets, which help with blood clotting.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Complete blood count. Lab Tests Online. Accessed Aug. CBC with differential, blood. Mayo Medical Laboratories.
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