Why the test is performed
To measure red cells, white cells, platelets and calculated red-cell indices as a broad view of blood and marrow health.
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Laboratory Testing Online / Hematology
Complete Blood Count (CBC/FBC)
To measure red cells, white cells, platelets and calculated red-cell indices as a broad view of blood and marrow health.Test profileHEComplete Blood Count (CBC/FBC)
Test and specimen
What is being examined?
- Test
- Complete Blood Count (CBC/FBC)
- Department
- Hematology
- Typical sample or measurement
- EDTA whole blood
Before the test
Usually no fasting. Acute illness, pregnancy, hydration and medicines can affect results; follow the requesting clinician’s instructions.
Clinical interpretation
Laboratory results should be interpreted by a qualified professional using the correct reference interval, method, symptoms, history and other findings. A normal or abnormal value rarely confirms or excludes a condition by itself.
What the test is used for
Routine assessment; investigation of fatigue, fever, bruising or infection; and monitoring conditions or treatments that affect blood cells.
How the test is performed
A venous blood sample is mixed to prevent clotting and analysed by an automated cell counter. Abnormal flags may trigger a differential count or microscopic blood-film review.
Conditions and diseases considered
May support assessment of anaemia, infection, inflammation, immune disorders, platelet disorders and blood cancers; it does not diagnose these alone.
Recommended further tests
Blood film, reticulocyte count, ferritin/iron studies, vitamin B12/folate, haemoglobin studies or bone-marrow referral depending on the pattern.
Primary public reference
Continue with the official patient guide.
COHSEW has summarised this information for navigation and awareness. Follow the source and your healthcare provider’s current instructions for the complete context.
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