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What Is a Blood Count?

Ken Black
Ken Black

A blood count is a term used to describe the various types of cells present in a person's or animal's blood. Having this information can help a medical doctor determine what may be wrong with a patient, or at least rule out some possibilities. The main test used to do this is often called a complete blood count because it allows doctors the opportunity to look at the count of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and other key factors.

In most cases, an individual's results are compared to baseline standards, typically a range, of what is considered normal. In some cases, the patient's previous tests may be compared with the current test to determine what changes have taken place, which may also help detail any progression of a disease. These counts may fall slightly outside the normal range and not be much cause for concern, but may prompt a doctor to order more tests or begin a certain treatment procedure.

A diagram showing different types of white blood cells. A blood panel can provide a white blood cell count.
A diagram showing different types of white blood cells. A blood panel can provide a white blood cell count.

One of the key factors in a blood test is the issue of white blood cells. If more are found than normally exist in a healthy individual, it could indicate white blood cells are being produced to fight an infection. A low number could indicate an immune deficiency of some sort. In both cases, the cause of the unusual white blood cell count could be reason for concern, and the doctor may need to proceed out of an abundance of caution with a plan to make a more firm diagnosis.

A red blood cell count can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions.
A red blood cell count can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions.

The red blood cells are also a concern in a blood count. A low red blood cell count means areas of the body may not be receiving enough oxygen, a condition known as anemia. In such cases, the doctor's main objective is to find the underlying cause, which could be something simple like an iron deficiency, or something more serious like leukemia.

The platelet count is also a focus of a blood count test. These form the main clotting mechanism for blood in the body. A low platelet count may signify a large amount of internal or external bleeding, depending on the situation. If internal bleeding is a concern, the blood count may prompt the doctor to run imaging tests in an attempt to find the location of the problem.

The blood count is determined via testing samples of blood.
The blood count is determined via testing samples of blood.

In most cases, a blood count can offer clues to an illness, but will often be only one step in the diagnostic process. Rarely do these tests actually identify the problem with any degree of certainty. Therefore, these tests must be considered along with all the other available evidence so that the proper diagnosis and course of treatment are chosen.

Discussion Comments

helene55

@FernValley, I have heard about things like that happening before. Many people, for various reasons, need to get blood tests regularly. These people definitely need to be careful when they go to a new place; not only because of a language barrier, but simply to make sure they, and their doctors, know what they need and why.

FernValley

When testing blood counts, it's important to make sure that your doctor knows what it is you need tested. I know someone who was teaching in a foreign country, and she went to a doctor recommended by her school. He spoke only some English. She went to get a lipid panel done for her high blood pressure and cholesterol; when she asked someone at the school for the results a few days later, she was told, "Oh yes, they came back, and your sugar is fine."

Like I said, be very careful about communication when being tested for things.

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    • A diagram showing different types of white blood cells. A blood panel can provide a white blood cell count.
      By: apple1
      A diagram showing different types of white blood cells. A blood panel can provide a white blood cell count.
    • A red blood cell count can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions.
      By: Monika 3 Steps Ahead
      A red blood cell count can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions.
    • The blood count is determined via testing samples of blood.
      By: frog-travel
      The blood count is determined via testing samples of blood.