What diseases can be detected through a complete blood count (CBC)?
Mar 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, a complete blood count (CBC) is a basic blood test that assesses the body's health status by measuring the quantity and morphology of components in the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC can detect conditions such as anemia, bacterial pneumonia, bacterial urinary tract infections, bacterial meningitis, and leukemia. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
Generally, a complete blood count (CBC) can detect diseases such as anemia, bacterial pneumonia, bacterial urinary tract infection, bacterial meningitis, and leukemia. The specific analyses are as follows:
1. Anemia
In a CBC, significantly decreased red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration may indicate that the patient has anemia. Anemia is a common disorder of the blood system, characterized by symptoms including pallor, fatigue, and dizziness. It can be caused by various factors, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or chronic diseases.
2. Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is a lung inflammation caused by bacterial infection. In a CBC, patients may show an elevated white blood cell count, especially an increased proportion of neutrophils, which reflects the body's inflammatory response to bacterial infection. Patients often present with symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum production, and chest pain, and timely antibiotic treatment is required.
3. Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
Bacterial urinary tract infection is an infection caused by bacterial invasion of the urinary system. A CBC may reveal an elevated white blood cell count, indicating an inflammatory response in the body. Patients may experience symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination, and in severe cases, hematuria may occur.
4. Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges caused by bacterial infection. In a CBC, patients may exhibit an increased white blood cell count, particularly a higher proportion of neutrophils. Patients may experience symptoms such as high fever, headache, vomiting, and altered consciousness.
5. Leukemia
In a CBC, a markedly elevated white blood cell count and abnormal white blood cell morphology, such as increased numbers of blast cells and immature cells, may suggest that the patient has leukemia. Leukemia is a malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells, presenting with symptoms such as fever, anemia, bleeding, and infections, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
In daily life, one should avoid consuming excessively fatty and high-protein foods, as well as alcohol and staying up late. Learning to relax and relieve stress is important for maintaining good health.
