What health conditions can be detected with a complete blood count (CBC)?

A complete blood count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood test that measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. This test is crucial in identifying hematologic conditions, including anemia, which is characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to fatigue and weakness. The CBC is also essential for detecting infections through elevated white blood cell counts, which can indicate the presence of an underlying infectious process.

Additionally, the CBC can provide insights into the overall health of the immune system and detect conditions such as leukopenia (low white blood cell count) or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which can point to various hematologic disorders. Therefore, the ability of a CBC to equip healthcare professionals with critical data regarding blood health makes it an invaluable tool in diagnosing conditions related to the blood and the immune system.

In contrast, while the other choices encompass important health concerns, they do not typically fall under the purview of a CBC. Kidney disease and heart conditions may require more specific tests to assess kidney function or heart health. Diabetes and hypertension are usually diagnosed through different metabolic tests, and although allergies and respiratory illnesses are significant health issues, CBC