“Functional Medicine utilizes an individualized, patient-centered, science-backed approach uncovers the root cause of illness and promotes optimal health.” - Alexi Silance, DNM

Introduction:

Have you ever heard of a CBC with differential test? This is an acronym for a Complete Blood Count test with Differential. CBC with differential is a common laboratory test that provides information about the types and numbers of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These different components allow the practitioner to evaluate your overall health. It’s important to understand more about this type of test and why it matters so much.

What Does the CBC with Differential Test Measure?

A CBC with differential measures many things, including the size, shape, and number of red blood cells; hemoglobin (the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen); hematocrit (the proportion of red blood cells compared to other components in whole blood); white cell count; white cell types; and platelet count. During the test, these factors are measured to produce numerical values that are then used to determine if they are within normal ranges or not. A doctor may order this type of test if they suspect an infection or disease due to abnormal results from a previous test.

The Significance of CBC With Differential Results

The results from a CBC with differential help doctors diagnose illnesses such as anemia, infections, leukemia, and various other conditions. The results can also be used to monitor the progress of certain treatments or medications for those who have already been diagnosed with an illness or condition. For example, if someone has been prescribed antibiotics for an infection, a doctor might order another CBC with differential at regular intervals to make sure that the treatment is working properly. 

Understanding Your Results

When evaluating the results from a CBC with differential test, doctors look for cell counts that are within certain ranges. For example, healthy adults typically have 4-11 million red blood cells per microliter (mcL) of blood. If your cell count is outside this range, it could indicate that something is wrong with your body’s ability to produce red blood cells or that you have an underlying condition such as anemia or leukemia. An elevated white cell count may also indicate infection or inflammation in your body.

The platelet count also helps medical professionals diagnose conditions like thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or thrombocytosis (high platelet count). Finally, doctors use the shape and size information from the cells to detect any abnormal characteristics that could be indicative of certain diseases or disorders. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding what happens during a CBC with differential test can help you better prepare for future tests and understand their results more easily when they come back from the lab technician. Knowing how medical professionals interpret these results can also help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs going forward. A CBC with differential test provides important information about your overall health—from diagnosing existing conditions to providing insight into any underlying issues that may need further evaluation or treatment down the line. So whether you’re preparing for one yourself or simply want to know more about what it entails, now you have everything you need!

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