Name of the Procedure:

Common Name: Complete Blood Count with Automated Differential
Technical/Medical Term: Complete CBC, Automated (Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC, without Platelet Count) and Automated WBC Differential Count (G0306)

Summary

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Automated Differential is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, and many other diseases. This test measures several components and features of your blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hgb), and hematocrit (Hct), but without platelet count.

Purpose

This test is essential for:

• Diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and other hematological diseases.
• Monitoring the health status of patients with known conditions.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for various medical conditions.
• Checking the overall health status during routine check-ups.

Indications

This procedure is warranted if you have symptoms such as:

• Fatigue or weakness (suggestive of anemia)
• Unexplained fever or infections
• Signs of bleeding disorders
• Chronic inflammatory conditions

It is appropriate for patients with:

• Suspected blood disorders
• Infections
• Chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders

Preparation

• No special preparation is usually needed; fasting is not required.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can affect the test results.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare professional uses an antiseptic wipe to clean the puncture site, usually on the arm.
2. A tourniquet is applied to make the veins more visible.
3. Blood is drawn from a vein using a sterile needle and collected into a vial.
4. The blood sample is analyzed using an automated analyzer.
5. For WBC differential, the analyzer classifies and counts the different types of white blood cells.

Tools and Equipment:

• Sterile needles
• Blood collection vials
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tourniquet
• Automated blood analyzer

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• Generally not required; the procedure involves minimal discomfort.

Duration

The blood draw typically takes about 5-10 minutes. The analysis may take a few hours to a day, depending on the lab's processing time.

Setting

This test is usually performed in:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Diagnostic laboratories

Personnel

• Phlebotomist or nurse for drawing blood
• Laboratory technician or medical technologist for analysis

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Minor bleeding or bruising at the puncture site
• Slight pain or discomfort during blood draw

Rare complications:

• Infection at the puncture site
• Fainting or dizziness

Benefits

• Provides valuable information about your overall health.
• Helps in early diagnosis and management of various conditions.
• Aids in monitoring treatment efficacy.

Expected benefits are usually realized shortly after the test results are reviewed by your healthcare provider.

Recovery

• Minimal recovery is needed; most people can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider if there are unusual findings.

Alternatives

• Manual Differential Count: More labor-intensive and may be used in specific cases.
• Additional diagnostic tests: Might include other blood tests, imaging studies, or biopsies depending on the suspected condition.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Quick, minimal discomfort, provides comprehensive information.
• Cons: Does not include platelet count; other specialized tests might still be needed.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: You might feel a quick pinch or slight sting when the needle is inserted.
• After the procedure: Mild soreness or bruising at the site is possible. Any severe pain or persistent discomfort should be reported to your healthcare provider.

Pain Management:

• Most patients experience minimal discomfort that doesn’t require special pain management. Any discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.