May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Cancer What does CBC mean when checking blood?
What does CBC mean when checking blood? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: What does CBC mean when checking blood? Dear Paulette: CBC stands for complete blood cell count; many patients will have baseline CBC tests to help determine their general health status. If they are healthy and they have cell populations that are within normal limits, then they may not require another CBC until their health status changes or until their doctor feels that it is necessary. Chemotherapy treatment for cancer can affect bone marrow production of cells, increasing the production of one cell at the expense of others or decreasing overall cell production. Some medications can decrease WBC counts while some vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause anemia. The CBC test may be ordered by the doctor on a regular basis to monitor these conditions and drug treatments.
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 24 September 2010 ) |
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