What basic lab concept does CBC measure?

What basic lab concept does CBC measure?

• A. Hemoglobin levels only
• B. White blood cell counts only
• C. Red cells, white cells, hemoglobin, platelets
• D. Platelet function tests

Answer: (C)

A complete blood count is a broad survey of the cells in the blood. It is designed to quantify the major cellular components: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and it also reports the hemoglobin concentration. This combination gives a snapshot of oxygen-carrying capacity (via red cells and hemoglobin), immune status (via white cells), and clotting potential (via platelets). Platelet function tests and measurements of just one component (like hemoglobin alone or white blood cells alone) don’t provide the full picture, which is why the description that includes all four components—red cells, white cells, hemoglobin, and platelets—is the best choice.

A complete blood count is a broad survey of the cells in the blood. It is designed to quantify the major cellular components: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and it also reports the hemoglobin concentration. This combination gives a snapshot of oxygen-carrying capacity (via red cells and hemoglobin), immune status (via white cells), and clotting potential (via platelets). Platelet function tests and measurements of just one component (like hemoglobin alone or white blood cells alone) don’t provide the full picture, which is why the description that includes all four components—red cells, white cells, hemoglobin, and platelets—is the best choice.