Asco Answers Blood Tests

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Understanding Complete Blood

Count (CBC) Tests


„ What is a complete blood count?
A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that evaluates the
number of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets
in the blood. CBC results can be used to help diagnose some types of
blood cancer, find out if a cancer has spread to the bone marrow, see
how a person’s body is reacting to cancer treatment, and diagnose other,
noncancerous conditions.

„ What is a white blood cell count?


A WBC count, also called a leukocyte count, measures the number of WBCs
in a sample of blood. WBCs protect the body from infection by attacking
harmful bacteria, viruses, and other foreign materials in the body. In
addition, some WBCs attack cancer cells. Some cancer treatments, mainly
chemotherapy, may lower your body’s WBC count. Cancers that affect
the blood and bone marrow, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple
myeloma, may also lower the count.

„ What is a white blood cell differential?


A WBC differential is a test that measures the number of each type of WBC. There are 5 major types of WBCs: neutrophils, lymphocytes,
monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Each type of WBC plays a different role in fighting infection. People with some types of cancer may have
higher or lower than normal numbers of lymphocytes or monocytes. In addition, cancers that affect the blood and bone marrow and some types
of cancer treatment may lower the WBC count and absolute neutrophil count (ANC). These conditions may raise a person’s risk for neutropenia,
which increases the chances of developing an infection.

„ What is a red blood cell count?


RBCs, also called erythrocytes, carry oxygen throughout the body. An RBC count, also called an erythrocyte count, measures the amount of RBCs
in a sample of blood and is often used to diagnose anemia, which is an abnormally low level of RBCs. There are several ways to measure RBCs.
One common measure is the level of hemoglobin (Hgb), an iron-containing protein in RBCs that carries oxygen. A value called the hematocrit (Hct)
shows the percentage of your blood that is made up of RBCs. Some cancer treatments, mainly chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may lower
your RBC count.

„ What is a platelet count?


Platelets, also called thrombocytes, stop bleeding by helping the blood clot and plugging damaged blood vessels. A platelet count measures
the number of platelets in a sample of blood. Cancers that affect the blood and bone marrow and some types of cancer treatment, such as
chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may lower the number of platelets. This condition is called thrombocytopenia, and it can increase the risk of
serious bleeding or bruising.

ASCO ANSWERS is a collection of oncologist-approved patient education materials developed by the


American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for people with cancer and their caregivers.
Questions to ask the Words to know
health care team
Regular communication is important in making informed decisions about your health care. It can Anemia: An abnormally low level of red
blood cells.
be helpful to bring someone along to your appointments to take notes. Consider asking your
health care team the following questions: Bone marrow: Soft, spongy tissue found
inside larger bones.
` Does the cancer or my treatment put me at risk for developing side effects like neutropenia,
anemia, or thrombocytopenia? Growth factors: Substances that help
blood cells grow, divide, and mature.
` What blood tests should I have? And what will the results tell you about my health?
` How and where is this test done? Laboratory: A facility where medical
tests are conducted and evaluated.
` Should I avoid eating and drinking before the test? If so, for how long?
Nadir: Low point, often used in
` How will I know when my test results are in? reference to blood cell counts.
` What do the test results mean? Who will explain the test results to me?
Neutropenia: An abnormally low level of
` If my results are within the normal range, what are the next steps? neutrophils.
` If my results are outside the normal range, what are the next steps? Pathologist: A doctor who specializes
` What are my treatment options if I have neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia? in interpreting laboratory tests and
evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to
` How do these test results compare with my previous results? diagnose disease.
` Will I need additional tests? If so, when? Phlebotomist: A technician who collects
` If I have a question or problem, who should I call? blood samples for evaluation in a
laboratory.

Find more information about blood-related conditions at www.cancer.net/sideeffects. For a Reference range: A set of values
digital list of questions, download Cancer.Net’s free mobile app at www.cancer.net/app. considered normal test results.

Thrombocytopenia: An abnormally low


level of platelets.

This fact sheet was developed and is © 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide. No sponsor was involved in the development of the
content. The mention of any company, product, service, or therapy does not constitute an endorsement of any kind by ASCO or Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation. It is the
responsibility of the treating physician or other health care provider, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine drug dosages and the best treatment
for the patient. ASCO assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage to persons or property arising out of or related to any use of the fact sheet or any errors or omissions. Information
in ASCO’s patient education materials is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical advice. Patients with health care-related questions should call or see their physician
or other health care provider promptly and should not disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of information encountered here. ASCO believes that all
treatment decisions should be made between patients and their doctors. Advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer occur regularly. For more information, visit
Cancer.Net (www.cancer.net).

Health Care Professionals: To order more printed copies, please call 888-273-3508 or visit www.cancer.net/estore.

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