CBC measures which components of blood?

CBC measures which components of blood?

• A. Blood glucose and lipids
• B. Electrolyte balance
• C. Red cells, white cells, hemoglobin, platelets
• D. Coagulation factors

Answer: (C)

A complete blood count focuses on the cellular components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, with hemoglobin concentration reported as part of the panel. These elements are quantified to assess oxygen-carrying capacity (via red cells and hemoglobin), immune status (white cells), and clotting potential (platelets). It does not measure metabolic substances like glucose or lipids, electrolytes, or coagulation factors. Glucose and lipids come from metabolic panels, electrolytes from a chemistry panel, and coagulation factors from specialized clotting studies (PT/INR, aPTT).

A complete blood count focuses on the cellular components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, with hemoglobin concentration reported as part of the panel. These elements are quantified to assess oxygen-carrying capacity (via red cells and hemoglobin), immune status (white cells), and clotting potential (platelets). It does not measure metabolic substances like glucose or lipids, electrolytes, or coagulation factors. Glucose and lipids come from metabolic panels, electrolytes from a chemistry panel, and coagulation factors from specialized clotting studies (PT/INR, aPTT).