Approach to a CBC: Definitions
CBC stands for complete blood count, and being able to read a CBC is important in virtually every area of medicine. If you can properly read CBCs, you can identify anemias, stress or infection, congenital blood diseases, nutrient deficiencies, presence of certain diseases.
** Be sure to review blood physiology before reviewing how to read a complete blood count. Or else the numbers will have no context and the results may not make sense. This is simply a starting point for approaching CBCs covering simple definitions and dissecting what the bloodwork will look like.
Listed are links that are available publicly online. More in depth explanations are available through your Physician Assistant Health Sciences Library libaccess subscription (AccessMedicine, UptoDate, Dynamed, etc.).
** Be sure to review blood physiology before reviewing how to read a complete blood count. Or else the numbers will have no context and the results may not make sense. This is simply a starting point for approaching CBCs covering simple definitions and dissecting what the bloodwork will look like.
Listed are links that are available publicly online. More in depth explanations are available through your Physician Assistant Health Sciences Library libaccess subscription (AccessMedicine, UptoDate, Dynamed, etc.).
Approach to CBC: Tutorial Links
Overview of RBC Cell Indicies
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White Blood Cell Indicies
Platelet Indices
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An example of what a CBC test looks like:
Put together by Anne Dang, CCPA.
Note from the author: The CBC is actually my blood work that I posted during MF1 hematology. Peripheral blood smear also confirmed the results of beta-thalassemia carrier. This is also mixed with iron deficiency anemia.
Note from the author: The CBC is actually my blood work that I posted during MF1 hematology. Peripheral blood smear also confirmed the results of beta-thalassemia carrier. This is also mixed with iron deficiency anemia.
ABOUTMPASA is the Student Association for McMaster's Physician Assistant Education Program in
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this website are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the institutions to which they are affiliated.
