Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Medical Author: Siamak Nabili, MD, MPH
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What Does a High White Platelet Count Mean?
Medical Author: Benjamin Wedro, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
 Viewer Question: What are some of the potential diagnoses when a person has a high platelet count? (Platelet count approximately 420?)
Dr. Stöppler's Response: Platelets are the smallest cell-like structures in the blood and are important for blood clotting and plugging damaged blood vessels.
Platelet counts are usually done by laboratory machines that also count other blood elements such as the white and red cells. Normal platelet counts are in the range of 150,000 to 400,000 per microliter (or 150 - 400 x 109 per liter), but the normal range for the platelet count varies slightly among different laboratories.
Top Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test Terms
interpretation,
lab values,
results,
differential interpretation,
mpv,
detect cancer,
detect hiv,
normal levels,
hematology,
red cell distribution width,
liver function test
What is the complete blood count test (CBC)?
The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood
tests. The complete blood count is the calculation of the cellular (formed
elements) of blood. These calculations are generally determined by special
machines that analyze the different components of blood in less than a minute.
A major portion of the complete blood count is the measure of the
concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and
platelets in the blood.
How is the complete blood count test (CBC) done?
The complete blood count (CBC) test is performed by obtaining a few milliliters (one
to two teaspoons) of
blood sample directly form the patient. It can be done in many settings
including the doctor's office, laboratories, and hospitals. The skin
is wiped clean with an alcohol pad, and then a needle is inserted through the
area of cleansed skin into to patient's vein (one that can be visualized from
the skin.) The blood is then pulled from the needle by a syringe or by a
connection to a special vacuumed vial where it is collected. This sample is then
taken to the laboratory for
analysis.
Next: What are the components of the complete blood count (CBC)? »
 |
 |
From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
|
|
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause. Source:MedicineNet
- Leukemia - Get the facts on leukemia (cancer of the bone marrow, blood) causes, symptoms, signs, types (hairy cell, chronic/acute lymphocytic or myeloid), research, treatment information and side effects. Source:Government
- Anemia - Learn what Anemia is, detection, symptoms, causes, and treatment Source:MedicineNet
- Read 21 more Complete Blood Count related articles ...
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
MedicineNet provides reliable doctor produced health and medical information.
Browse Centers
Topics Related to Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Doctors' Views
Medications
Procedures & Tests
Diseases & Conditions
Health Facts
Vein Viewer
Ever have a blood test when the nurse can't find your vein? With this new infrared camera, one needle stick is all you have to See more WebMD Videos »
|
Specialty RSS
Interactive Slideshows