Why is the complete blood count (CBC) the most frequently ordered ...

[sammy]

Why is the complete blood count (CBC) the most frequently ordered clinical laboratory test?
 
  a. Easy to perform
  b. Inexpensive
  c. Provides valuable information about the patient's overall health status
  d. Anticoagulated blood easy to obtain

Question 2

The white count on an adult patient is 2.2  109/L. When the blood film is examined, the following results are obtained: 15 neutrophils and 75 lymphocytes. Reference ranges for these cells types, both relative and absolute, are as follows:
 
  Rel  Abs  (109/L)
  Neutrophils 48-70 2.4-8.2
  Lymphocytes 18-42 1.4-4.0
 
  What conclusion can be made about the number of lymphocytes for this patient?
 
  a. They are relatively increased but normal in absolute numbers.
  b. They are both relatively and absolutely increased.
  c. They are relatively decreased but absolutely increased.
  d. They are both relatively and absolutely decreased.

[chinwesucks]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A thorough evaluation of the hemogram, which includes differentiation of the nucleated cells, provides valuable information about possible blood disorders. Abnormalities of blood cells can also be caused by disease in other organ systems, so it can provide a tool for screening for overall disease.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The relative percent of lymphocytes is elevated at 75. The absolute number of lymphocytes is 0.75  2.2 = 1.7  109/L, which is in the reference range for an adult. Thus the lymphocytes are relatively increased but normal in absolute number.

[sammy]

Gracias!

[rleezy04]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it