Full blood count (FBC) refers to a comprehensive laboratory test that provides valuable information about the various components of blood. It is commonly used as a screening tool to assess an individual's overall health, identify potential abnormalities, monitor diseases, and evaluate treatment progress. A typical FBC includes a series of measurements related to the levels and characteristics of different blood components.
The primary components assessed in a full blood count are red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, while WBCs play a crucial role in fighting infections. Platelets, on the other hand, help in clotting blood. The FBC measures the number, size, and shape of these cells, providing a detailed analysis of any potential deviations.
Additionally, the FBC includes the measurement of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels, which are indicators of the blood's ability to carry oxygen. It also assesses the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) to evaluate the size and color of the red blood cells. The FBC may also contain other indices such as the total white blood cell count (WCC), white blood cell differential count, and platelet count.
Overall, a full blood count is a vital diagnostic tool that helps healthcare professionals gain insight into the health and functioning of an individual's blood system, enabling the identification and monitoring of various conditions and diseases.
