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

A complete blood count (CBC) is a commonly ordered blood test that provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's overall health, specifically focusing on the cellular components of blood. The components included in a CBC are red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

Red blood cells (RBCs) are essential for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide for exhalation. White blood cells (WBCs) are crucial for the immune response, helping to fight infections and diseases. Hemoglobin is the protein within red blood cells that binds to oxygen, and its level can indicate anemia or other issues. Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, thus offering insights into an individual's blood composition. Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting and wound healing.

This combination of components allows health care providers to assess various conditions, such as anemia, infection, and many other hematological disorders, making this answer the correct one.

Other options include components that are not part of the CBC, such as insulin, glucose, cholesterol, serum electrolytes, hemoglobin A1c, albumin, and glucagon, which