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Complete blood count (CBC)

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Complete blood count (CBC)

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that gives important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC helps your doctor evaluate symptoms (such as weakness, fatigue, or bruising) and diagnose conditions (such as anemia, infection, and many other disorders).

A CBC may be done to check for low red blood cells (anemia), problems with white blood cells, find an infection, find diseases of the blood, such as leukemia, or check to see if medicine or radiation treatment is working.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

NOTICE: This health information was not created by Columbia University Irving Medical Center and may not necessarily reflect specific CUIMC practices. For medical advice to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Medical advice disclaimer.