What is "complete blood count"

n. A measure of the number, concentration(,) and size of white blood cells, platelets(,) and red blood cells in one's blood.

n. counting the number of white and red blood cells and the number of platelets in 1 cubic millimeter of blood [syn: CBC, blood profile]

A complete blood count (CBC), also known as a complete blood cell count, full blood count (FBC), or full blood exam (FBE), is a blood panel requested by a doctor or other medical professional that gives information about the cells in a patient's blood, such as the cell count for each cell type and the concentrations of various proteins and minerals. A scientist or lab technician performs the requested testing and provides the requesting medical professional with the results of the CBC.

Blood counts of various types have been used for clinical purposes since the 19th century. Automated equipment to carry out complete blood counts was developed in the 1950s and 1960s.

The cells that circulate in the bloodstream are generally divided into three types: white blood cells ( leukocytes), red blood cells ( erythrocytes), and platelets ( thrombocytes). Abnormally high or low counts may indicate the presence of many forms of disease, and hence blood counts are amongst the most commonly performed blood tests in medicine, as they can provide an overview of a patient's general health status. A CBC is routinely performed during annual physical examinations in some jurisdictions.