CBC Basics
This lab measures the percentage of blood composed of red blood cells.
What is hematocrit (Hct)?
These cells are most elevated in bacterial infections.
What are neutrophils (PMNs)?
This lab reflects bone marrow response to anemia.
What is reticulocyte count?
This test evaluates the extrinsic pathway.
What is prothrombin time (PT)?
Elevated LDH suggests this process involving RBC destruction.
What is hemolysis?
This index reflects the average size of red blood cells.
What is mean corpuscular volume (MCV)?
Elevation of these cells is commonly seen in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.
What are eosinophils?
Low levels of this lab indicate iron deficiency.
What is ferritin?
This test is used to monitor heparin therapy.
What is activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)?
Low transferrin saturation is most consistent with this diagnosis.
What is iron deficiency anemia?
A low value of this lab indicates decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.
What is hemoglobin (Hgb)?
These cells increase primarily in viral infections.
What are lymphocytes?
This test evaluates RBC morphology and can identify abnormal shapes.
What is a peripheral blood smear?
Failure of clotting time to correct in this test suggests an inhibitor.
What are mixing studies?
A high reticulocyte count indicates this physiologic process.
What is increased RBC production (e.g., hemolysis or blood loss)?
This platelet parameter reflects the average size of platelets.
What is mean platelet volume (MPV)?
This rare WBC is elevated in chronic myeloid leukemia.
What are basophils?
Low levels of this vitamin are associated with megaloblastic anemia.
What is vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)?
This lab is elevated in DIC and thromboembolic conditions and reflects fibrin breakdown.
What is D-dimer (or fibrin degradation products)?
This condition is associated with prolonged PT due to impaired clotting factor production.
What is liver disease?
This CBC component helps identify variability in RBC size.
What is red cell distribution width (RDW)?
This term describes an increase in immature neutrophils during infection.
What is a left shift?
Low levels of this protein suggest hemolytic anemia.
What is haptoglobin?
This test evaluates conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.
What is thrombin time?
This genetic mutation significantly increases risk of thrombosis.
What is Factor V Leiden mutation?