TY - JOUR
T1 - How to interpret and pursue an abnormal complete blood cell count in adults
AU - Tefferi, Ayalew
AU - Hanson, Curtis A.
AU - Inwards, David J.
PY - 2005/7
Y1 - 2005/7
N2 - A complete blood cell count (CBC) is one of the most common laboratory tests in medicine. For example, at our institution alone, approximately 1800 CBCs are ordered every day, and 10% to 20% of results are reported as abnormal. Therefore, it is in every clinician's interest to have some understanding of the specific test basics as well as a structured action plan when confronted with abnormal CBC results. In this article, we provide practical diagnostic algorithms that address frequently encountered conditions associated with CBC abnormalities including anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, polycythemia, thrombocytosis, and leukocytosis. The objective is to help the nonhematologist recognize when a subspeclalty consultation is reasonable and when it may be circumvented, thus allowing a cost-effective and intellectually rewarding practice.
AB - A complete blood cell count (CBC) is one of the most common laboratory tests in medicine. For example, at our institution alone, approximately 1800 CBCs are ordered every day, and 10% to 20% of results are reported as abnormal. Therefore, it is in every clinician's interest to have some understanding of the specific test basics as well as a structured action plan when confronted with abnormal CBC results. In this article, we provide practical diagnostic algorithms that address frequently encountered conditions associated with CBC abnormalities including anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, polycythemia, thrombocytosis, and leukocytosis. The objective is to help the nonhematologist recognize when a subspeclalty consultation is reasonable and when it may be circumvented, thus allowing a cost-effective and intellectually rewarding practice.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=21344460229&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=21344460229&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.4065/80.7.923
DO - 10.4065/80.7.923
M3 - Review article
C2 - 16007898
AN - SCOPUS:21344460229
SN - 0025-6196
VL - 80
SP - 923
EP - 936
JO - Mayo Clinic proceedings
JF - Mayo Clinic proceedings
IS - 7
ER -