Blood count; complete (CBC), automated (Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC and platelet count) and automated differential WBC count
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Blood Count; Complete (CBC), Automated (Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC, and Platelet Count) and Automated Differential WBC Count.
Summary
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a blood test that is often part of a routine health check. This automated test measures various components and features of your blood, including Hemoglobin (Hgb), Hematocrit (Hct), Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC), and Platelet Count. Additionally, the automated differential WBC count breaks down the types of white blood cells to provide more detailed information about your immune system.
Purpose
A CBC with differential helps in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection, and many other diseases. The test's primary goal is to evaluate your overall health and detect various disorders.
Indications
- Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, fever, and weight loss.
- Monitoring conditions such as anemia or infection.
- Diagnosing conditions such as leukemia and other blood disorders.
- Assessing overall health in routine physical examinations.
Preparation
Typically, no special preparation is needed for a CBC. However, it's advisable to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking. Fasting is not required unless other tests are being done simultaneously.
Procedure Description
- A healthcare provider cleans the skin with an antiseptic.
- A tourniquet is placed around the upper arm to fill the veins with blood.
- Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm using a small needle and collected into a test tube or vial.
- The blood sample is sent to a laboratory, where an automated machine analyzes it.
Duration
The entire procedure of drawing blood typically takes less than 5 minutes. The analysis by the automated machine may take a few hours to complete, depending on the laboratory.
Setting
The blood draw for a CBC is performed in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and doctors' offices.
Personnel
The procedure involves:
- Phlebotomist or nurse for drawing the blood.
- Laboratory technicians or technologists to analyze the blood sample.
Risks and Complications
- Mild discomfort or pain at the needle insertion site.
- Slight bruising or bleeding.
- Rarely, infection or phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).
Benefits
- Quick and non-invasive tool for diagnosing and monitoring many conditions.
- Provides comprehensive information about your blood and overall health.
Recovery
There is no recovery time needed. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the blood draw. Any minor bruising or discomfort usually resolves quickly.
Alternatives
Other blood tests can provide specific information but might not be as comprehensive as a CBC. For example:
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) The CBC is generally more detailed in evaluating blood cell health.
Patient Experience
During the blood draw, you might feel a slight prick or pinch from the needle. This discomfort is usually minimal and brief. After the procedure, most people feel fine, although some may experience slight tenderness or bruising at the site where the blood was drawn.