Question 1

what is a cbc?

Accepted Answer

Blood count: It is a test that quantifies and characterizes certain cells in the blood.  Those cell types include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Question 2

does cbc show blasts?

Accepted Answer

Not directly: CBC will have an indicator called the RDW or redcell distribution width.  When this is elevated, bone marrow is producing younger cells that appear bigger.

Question 3

what causes low rdwr in cbc?

Accepted Answer

No pathology: There is no pathologic process to cause abnormally low rdw. Patients with beta thalassemia trait may have lower than usual rdw.

Question 4

what does high ly in cbc mean?

Accepted Answer

Need clarification: Do you mean high lymphocyte count? If so, what is the actual count, relative and absolute. Please provide the actual data for a meaningful opinion.

Question 5

how often should you get a cbc?

Accepted Answer

When Needed: Only when there is a concern about your health such as anemai or concern about serious infection.

Question 6

does it hurt to get a cbc done?

Accepted Answer

Needle stick: A blood sample needs to be collected for the test and the hurt is as much as may be associated with a needle stick.

Question 7

will getting a cbc require fasting?

Accepted Answer

Complete blood count: CBC = complete blood count.  The test looks at your red cells, white cells and platelets only.  It does not require for you to fast before the test.  If, however, other tests are being done at the same time, you may need to fast for those.

Question 8

how often to get a cbc if it was normal?

Accepted Answer

No rule: Unless you have an illness, symptoms  or are on certain medications that require monitoring, a cbc along with other blood tests is only usually done as part of an annual checkup. Your physician, who knows you best, will advise you when to have testing.

Question 9

what is the normal cbc for women ages 24?

Accepted Answer

Avoid that word: The word Normal is misleading. It is called a Reference Range, and can vary among labs. What meaning a set of results have depends on a patient's overall picture. Otherwise, numbers are just numbers, without much meaning. One reference says for Adult Women, the range is:  WBC 3.9-11.7, RBC 3.9-5.2, Hgb 12.0-15.0, Hgt 34.8-45.0, MCV 78.5-96.4, RDW 11.3-14.7, Plt 172-440.

Question 10

what are tear drop cells 1+ found on cbc?

Accepted Answer

No worry: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Having said that, it is just the shape of some red cells. A few tear drop cells is no cause for concern, especially if your hemoglobin level is normal.

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Doctor answers about:

CBC

A member asked:

What is a cbc?

A member asked:

Does cbc show blasts?

A member asked:

What causes low rdwr in cbc?

A member asked:

What does high ly in cbc mean?

A member asked:

How often should you get a cbc?

A member asked:

Does it hurt to get a cbc done?

A member asked:

Will getting a cbc require fasting?

A member asked:

How often to get a cbc if it was normal?

A member asked:

What is the normal cbc for women ages 24?

A member asked:

What are tear drop cells 1+ found on cbc?

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