CBC

The CBC is one of the most widely performed tests in medicine and is often ordered by primary care physicians for patients—especially when they have a fever, cough, any reason for concern or are following up on a previous illness. For many people, the CBC will be the first type of blood test they have ever received; however, most individuals do not understand the significance of the CBC and how it informs their health and treatment.

The CBC blood test is the most common way to routinely prescribe a blood test in a doctor’s office and provides valuable information about the different kinds of cells in blood, which can help physicians assess a patient’s general health. Since a number of health conditions can affect blood cells, CBCs are frequently the first step to diagnosing a health condition when symptoms are unclear or monitoring an ongoing health issue.