Which type of test is a complete blood count (CBC)?

A complete blood count (CBC) is classified as a routine hematological test. This type of test is fundamental in the assessment of a patient's overall health and aids in the diagnosis of various conditions. A CBC provides valuable information regarding the different components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and it measures parameters such as hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit levels.

Routine hematological tests like a CBC are commonly performed in clinical laboratories as part of a standard evaluation, allowing healthcare professionals to identify issues such as anemia, infection, and many other blood disorders efficiently. This makes it an essential tool in both preventive and diagnostic medicine.

Other categories mentioned, such as specialized biochemical tests, microbiology tests, and serological tests, focus on different aspects of laboratory medicine. Biochemical tests generally analyze specific substances like enzymes or hormones, microbiology tests are aimed at identifying pathogens or infectious agents, and serological tests evaluate the presence of antibodies or antigens in the blood. The CBC’s role in routine hematological analysis distinctly separates it from these other test types.