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Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The most common blood test, a Complete Blood Count (CBC), is done to get information on the number of red, white and platelet cells in the blood. It tells your medical team the state of your health.

Archived from the 2022 edition

Overview

This blood test can be done at any time in a lab, hospital or doctor's office.

A tourniquet or rubber strap is tied around the upper arm to gently keep blood in the vein. Then, a needle with an attached container is inserted into a vein. Often, a large vein in the bend of the elbow or the top of the hand is used. After the container is filled, the needle is removed and a bandage is placed to stop the bleeding.

In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

  • What to Expect
  • More Information
  • Explore Further

Other entries in Tests, Imaging and Procedures

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