Complete blood count (CBC)

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How you prepare

By Mayo Clinic staff

If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for additional tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

What you can expect Why it's done
References
  1. Nicoll D, et al. Complete blood cell count. In: Nicoll D, et al. Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests. 5th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=3135998. Accessed Dec. 10, 2010
  2. Complete blood count. Lab Tests Online. http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cbc/test.html. Accessed Dec. 10, 2010.
  3. Fischbach FT. Blood studies: Hematology and coagulation. In: Fischbach FT. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:58.
  4. Laboratory reference values. Hematology group. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; December 2010.
  5. Mesa RA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Ariz. Dec. 10, 2010.
MY00476 Jan. 29, 2011

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