What does a complete blood count (CBC) evaluate?

A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates several key components of blood, providing vital information about a person's overall health and identifying various conditions. The primary components assessed in a CBC include hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, and platelets.

Hemoglobin measures the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport, while hematocrit gauges the proportion of blood volume made up of red blood cells. The white blood cell count offers insights into the immune response and can indicate infection or other disorders. Lastly, platelet count is essential for understanding the blood’s ability to clot.

The other options, while important in their respective contexts, do not fall under the scope of a CBC. For example, blood glucose levels are assessed in metabolic panels, cholesterol levels are part of lipid panels, and liver enzymes are evaluated through liver function tests. Each of these tests serves different diagnostic purposes, emphasizing the specialized role of the CBC in the overall assessment of hematological health.