What components are typically included in a complete blood count (CBC)?

A complete blood count (CBC) typically includes several key components that provide important information about a person's overall health and the status of their blood. The correct components included in a CBC are the red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count.

The RBC count measures the number of red blood cells present in a given volume of blood, which is crucial for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity. The WBC count indicates the number of white blood cells, which serve as an indicator of the immune system's status and can help identify infections or other medical conditions. Hemoglobin levels reflect the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, while hematocrit provides the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. Lastly, platelet count is essential for understanding clotting ability and overall blood health.

Other choices mentioned components that are not standard for a CBC. For instance, blood glucose and electrolyte levels are measured in different tests, such as a metabolic panel, and do not form part of a CBC. Similarly, red blood cell morphology and serum protein levels pertain to other tests that assess different aspects of health. By focusing on the primary components included in a CBC