Can chronic appendicitis be diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC)?
Disease description:
My right lower abdomen has been painful for a long time, and I suspect it might be appendicitis. I would like to have a complete blood count (CBC) to help determine the cause. Can chronic appendicitis be diagnosed through a CBC?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Chronic appendicitis cannot be diagnosed merely through a complete blood count (CBC). CBC mainly evaluates indicators such as hemoglobin, platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells, and serves as an auxiliary tool in diagnosing conditions like polycythemia, anemia, and other infectious diseases, but it lacks specificity for diagnosing chronic appendicitis. Diagnosis of chronic appendicitis usually requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's symptoms, physical signs, and results from auxiliary examinations, such as CT scans, X-ray colon contrast studies, and colonoscopy. These tests can more directly reflect the morphology, structure, and functional status of the appendix, thereby assisting physicians in making an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, if chronic appendicitis is suspected, timely medical consultation and comprehensive examinations are recommended to establish a clear diagnosis.
