Interpretation of the complete blood count.
The authors' impression is that the CBC provides much more information than is routinely used. When anemia is present, the CBC contains considerable information regarding its cause, which can assist in formulating a differential diagnosis and directing further evaluation. White blood cell and platelet count levels may similarly direct practitioners to consider or dismiss underlying conditions. This article assists the pediatrician in optimizing use of this familiar diagnostic tool.
Walters
M C
MC
Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA.
Abelson
H T
HT
D000748:Anemia, Macrocytic / Q000175:diagnosis; D000751:Anemia, Neonatal / Q000175:diagnosis; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010976:Platelet Count; D017701:Reticulocyte Count; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000175:diagnosis; D013922:Thrombocytosis / Q000175:diagnosis