What illnesses can be diagnosed with a complete blood count?

A complete blood count is a commonly performed blood test that is often included as part of a routine checkup. Complete blood counts can be used to help detect a variety of disorders including infections, anemia, diseases of the immune system, and blood cancers.

Can you have leukemia with normal blood work?

Chronic Leukemia May Go Undetected Because chronic leukemia is very slow-growing and may not cause symptoms, it’s common for the disease to first be detected in normal blood work when a patient goes to the doctor for a regular checkup.

Can a complete blood count detect lymphoma?

Blood tests aren’t used to diagnose lymphoma, though. If the doctor suspects that lymphoma might be causing your symptoms, he or she might recommend a biopsy of a swollen lymph node or other affected area.

Does a normal blood count rule out cancer?

Blood counts alone can’t determine whether you have a blood cancer, but they can alert your doctor if further testing is needed. A complete blood count (CBC) is the number and types of cells circulating in your blood. Your CBC is measured using laboratory tests that require a small blood sample.

Do all cancers show up in blood tests?

Blood tests are usually done in all cases of suspected cancer and may also be done routinely in healthy individuals. Not all cancers show up on blood tests. Blood tests can give information about the overall health status, such as thyroid, kidney, and liver functions.

Why would a doctor order a complete blood count?

Complete Blood Count. A complete blood count is a blood test that is commonly ordered by doctors, either as part of a complete physical or when your doctor thinks you might have a certain condition. The test gives details about blood cells and can help diagnose diseases.

Does cancer show up in blood test results?

My GP surgery allows patients to read their notes electronically, so I can see blood test results and compare them against standard norms. No indications at all in my bloodwork that I had cancer, which you might have thought would show up.

Does chemotherapy show up on a blood count?

If you are receiving chemotherapy, your doctor will likely watch your blood cell counts often using a CBC. What does a complete blood count measure? A CBC measures the amount of 3 types of cells in your blood: White blood cell count.

What should I do if my CBC results fall out?

Your health care team must carefully read CBC test results. Keep in mind that many factors, including noncancerous conditions, can lead to results that fall out of the normal range. Ask your doctor to help you understand what your results mean.