Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Also known as: CBC, full blood count, FBC
A common blood test that measures red cells, white cells and platelets.
Definition
A complete blood count, or CBC, measures the three main types of cells circulating in blood: red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection) and platelets (which help blood clot). It is one of the most frequently ordered tests in oncology.
Before, during and after chemotherapy the CBC is checked to look for treatment-related anemia, neutropenia (low neutrophils) and low platelets. An abnormal CBC may also be the first clue to a blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma, prompting further tests including a bone-marrow biopsy.
See also
- Anemia — A low red blood cell count that causes tiredness, breathlessness and pale skin.
- Neutropenia — A low neutrophil count that increases the risk of serious infection during chemotherapy.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy — A procedure that samples the spongy tissue inside a bone to look for blood-cell disorders.
- Leukemia — A cancer of the white blood cells that begins in the bone marrow.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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