Complete Blood Count and Comprehensive Blood Panels
At our practice, we are committed to ensuring the safest, most effective care for our patients. As part of our diagnostic services, we perform a Complete Blood Count (CBC)—a crucial blood test that measures the number and ratio of different blood cells in the body. This detailed analysis provides invaluable insight into a patient’s overall health and helps in diagnosing a wide range of infections, diseases, and disorders.
A CBC offers specific information about:
- Red blood cells: Carry oxygen throughout the body.
- White blood cells: Fight infection.
- Platelets: Assist in the blood-clotting process.
- Hemoglobin: Carries oxygen and aids in clotting.
- Hematocrit: The ratio of red blood cells to plasma in the blood.
An abnormal CBC result can indicate conditions such as anemia, leukemia, sickle cell disease, or the presence of infection. Because of its broad utility, a CBC is often one of the first diagnostic tests conducted, sometimes even during a routine physical examination. The procedure is safe, quick, and almost painless, involving a simple withdrawal of a small blood sample through venipuncture.
In some cases, a blood smear test may be performed alongside the CBC. This involves spreading a drop of blood on a microscope slide, staining it with a special dye, and examining the shapes, sizes, and numbers of blood cells. This method offers a deeper understanding of certain conditions; for example, abnormally shaped cells can indicate sickle cell anemia.
In addition to CBCs, our blood panels are specifically designed to support and enhance our services, particularly in areas such as hormone optimization and weight loss management. We provide a comprehensive metabolic panel to identify any underlying conditions that could impact treatment outcomes. For weight loss patients, these panels ensure there are no medical concerns before starting injections, whether for weight loss therapies or peptide treatments.
By combining these advanced diagnostic tools, we are able to:
- Confirm a clean bill of health after a positive physical exam.
- Detect and diagnose infections, allergies, blood clotting disorders, and blood abnormalities such as anemia.
- Identify underlying metabolic issues that may affect hormonal balance or treatment success.
Our thorough approach ensures that every patient receives tailored care based on a complete understanding of their health status.