What does the abbreviation "CBC" stand for in a medical report?

The abbreviation "CBC" stands for Complete Blood Count. This term refers to a comprehensive blood test that evaluates several components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The Complete Blood Count provides critical information about a person's overall health and can help in diagnosing various medical conditions, including infections, anemia, and many other disorders.

The components measured in a CBC include metrics like hemoglobin, hematocrit, and the different types of white blood cells, each of which can provide insights into the body’s immune response and other physiological functions. Understanding the results from a CBC is a fundamental skill for medical assistants, as it helps inform patient care and treatment plans.