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 Medical Abbreviations: A Closer Look at CBC and More
The complete blood count or CBC is a basic screening test and is one of the most frequently ordered laboratory procedures. The results of a CBC can provide health practitioners with valuable information about the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis, response to treatment and recovery. Included in the CBC results are the white blood cell count(WBC), the red blood cell counts(RBC), hematocrit(Hct), hemoglobin(Hgb) and the platelet count(Plt).
Abbreviation |
Meaning |
CBC |
complete blood count |
WBC |
white blood cell count |
RBC |
red blood cell count |
Hgb |
hemoglobin |
Hct |
hematocrit |
Plt |
platelet |
WBC: The white blood cells main function is to fight infection, and to help with the production and transportation of antibiotics to the immune system. Measurement of the total number of white blood cells is an important step in diagnosis and prognosis for subsequent disease management.
RBC: The main function of the red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the body tissue and to transfer carbon dioxide from the tissue to the lungs. This process is accomplished by hemoglobin in the red cells that combines with the oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is what gives arterial blood its bright red appearance. It is an important measurement in the determination of anemia or polycythemia.
Hgb: Hemoglobin is the main component of the red blood cell. It serves as the vehicle for transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It also serves as a buffer in extracellular fluid. The oxygen combining capacity of the blood is directly proportional to the hemoglobin concentration rather than the RBC. This is because some red blood cells contain more hemoglobin than others. A hemoglobin value can assist a health practitioner in diagnosing anemia, determining the severity of the anemia and identifying the best way to treat the anemia.
HCT: Hematocrit is the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the volume of whole blood. A high hematocrit reduces the flow through blood vessels especially in the microcirculation. Under this circumstance there can be an increased cardiac work load. Decreased hematocrit values are an indicator of anemia.
Plt: Platletes are the smallest of the formed elements in the blood. Platelets essential function is blood clotting. Its formation takes place primary in the bone marrow. The measurement of this test is helpful in evaluating bleeding disorders.
References:
Fishbach, Frances. A Manual of Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests. 4th ed. Philadelphia, J.B. Lippincott Company. pp.27-48 and 122-125.
McCance, Kathryn L. & Sue E. Huenter: Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children. 5th ed. St. Louis Mosby Year Book. p. 975
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