What is the primary function of the complete blood count (CBC)?

The complete blood count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood test that provides critical information about various components of the blood, which helps to assess a person's overall health. It measures key factors such as red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. By evaluating these components, healthcare providers can identify conditions like anemia, infection, and many other disorders.

While diagnosing infections can be part of what a CBC might indicate (through elevated white blood cell counts), its primary purpose encompasses a broader spectrum of general health assessment. This includes monitoring the effectiveness of treatments, understanding the body’s response to disease, and guiding further diagnostic testing if needed. Other options refer to more specific functions; for example, assessing clotting ability directly involves tests like platelet counts and prothrombin time, and evaluating organ function usually requires specialized tests beyond the CBC. Thus, the complete blood count serves as an essential tool in the initial evaluation of a patient’s health status.