Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Definition: A "complete blood count" (often abbreviated as CBC) is a medical test that measures different components of your blood. It counts the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in one cubic millimeter of blood. This test helps doctors understand your overall health and can show if you have certain medical conditions.
Usage Instructions: - The term "complete blood count" is used in medical contexts. You will often hear it in hospitals, clinics, or when talking to healthcare professionals. - You might use it when discussing health, like "My doctor ordered a complete blood count to check my health."
Example Sentence: "The complete blood count showed that I have a healthy number of red and white blood cells."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced medical discussions, you might hear about specific results from a complete blood count, such as "elevated white blood cell count," which can indicate infection, or "low hemoglobin levels," which might suggest anemia.
Word Variants: - CBC: This is the common abbreviation for complete blood count. - Blood Count: Sometimes, people refer to it simply as a blood count, but this can refer to other types of blood tests as well.
Different Meanings:While "complete blood count" specifically refers to this medical test, the word "count" in other contexts can mean to tally or enumerate. For example, you could say "to count the number of apples."
Synonyms: - Blood test - Hemogram (although this term can refer to similar but slightly different tests)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "complete blood count," but the phrase "count on" means to rely on someone or something. For example, "I can count on my doctor to give me good health advice."
In summary, a complete blood count is an important test that helps doctors understand your blood health.