Complete Blood Counts (CBC):

The complete blood count (CBC) is a very common blood test. It evaluates the three major types of cells in blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Red Blood Cells (RBC) carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Three tests measure red blood cell (RBC) count:
1. The red blood cell count is a measure of the number of RBCs in the body.
2. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. RBCs carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
3. MCV measures the average size of the red blood cells.
4. Other factors analyzed include the hematocrit (HCT), which is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood sample. If a child has anemia, the results for RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit will all be low.

White Blood Cells (WBCs) help the body fight infection. Also called leukocytes. These cells are bigger than red blood cells, and there are far fewer of them in the bloodstream. An abnormal white blood cell count may indicate that there is an infection, inflammation, or other stress in the body. For example, a bacterial infection can cause the WBC count to increase or decrease dramatically. There are five types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes. Each has a different job.
1. Neutrophils and lymphocytes are the two major types of WBCs. Neutrophils play a key role in the body's defense against invading bacteria by destroying invading organisms. Someone with insufficient neutrophils is at risk for developing serious infections.
2. Lymphocytes produce antibodies, specific proteins that attack and help destroy specific germs. They are especially important in fighting viral infections, like colds and flu.
3. Eosinophils and basophils in the blood may be increased in allergic conditions. (Churg-Strauss patients have high #s of eosinophils.)
4. Monocytes, the largest white blood cells in the bloodstream, remove dead cells and organisms from the blood.

The Platelets are the smallest blood cells. They play an important role in blood clotting and the prevention of bleeding. When a blood vessel is damaged or cut, platelets clump together and plug up the hole until the blood clots. If the platelet count is too low, a person can be in danger of bleeding in any part of the body.

C Reaction Protein (CRP)

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Erythrocyte (Red cell) Sedimentation...