An Introduction to the Complete Blood Count for Clinical Chemists: Red Blood Cells

Abstract

Background The most frequently ordered laboratory test worldwide is the complete blood count (CBC). Content In this primer, the red blood cell test components of the CBC are introduced, followed by a discussion of the laboratory evaluation of anemia and polycythemia. Summary As clinical chemists are increasingly tasked to direct laboratories outside of the traditional clinical chemistry sections such as hematology, expertise must be developed. This review article is a dedication to that effort.