Full Blood Screening

A full blood screening, also known as a complete blood count (CBC) or a blood test, is a common medical test that provides valuable information about your overall health. It involves measuring different components of your blood to assess various aspects of your body's functioning. Here are some of the key parameters typically included in a full blood screening:

1. Red Blood Cells (RBC) Count: This measures the number of red blood cells in a given volume of blood. It helps evaluate oxygen-carrying capacity.

2. White Blood Cells (WBC) Count: This measures the number of white blood cells, which are crucial for the immune system and help fight infections.

3. Hemoglobin (Hb) Concentration: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This test assesses the amount of hemoglobin in your blood.

4. Hematocrit (Hct): This measures the percentage of your blood that is composed of red blood cells. It is related to blood viscosity.

5. Platelet Count: Platelets are essential for blood clotting. This test measures the number of platelets in your blood.

6. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): This measures the average volume of a red blood cell. It helps classify anemia types.

7. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): This measures the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.

8. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): This measures the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells.

9. Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): This assesses the variation in size of red blood cells.

10. White Blood Cell Differential Count: This provides the percentage of different types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

11. Platelet Distribution Width (PDW): This measures the variation in platelet size.

12. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC): It calculates the absolute number of neutrophils, an important type of white blood cell.

13. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): This is a test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a tube. It can indicate inflammation.

14. C-reactive Protein (CRP): CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body.

A full blood screening is often a routine part of a health checkup and may be ordered by a healthcare provider to assess and monitor various health conditions. The interpretation of the results will depend on the specific values obtained and the context of the individual's health and medical history.