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Blood smear. In this test, a drop of blood is spread (smeared) on a slide and stained with a special dye. The slide is then examined under a microscope. The numbers, size, and shape of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are recorded. Blood cells with unusual

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Platelet (thrombocyte) count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are the smallest type of blood cell. They play a major role in blood clotting. When bleeding occurs, the platelets swell, clump together, and form a sticky plug that helps stop the bleeding. If there are too few platelets, uncontrolled bleeding may be a

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Red blood cell indices. There are three red blood cell indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). They are measured by a machine and their values are determined from other measurements noted during a CBC. The MCV shows the size of

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Hemoglobin (Hgb). Hemoglobin is the major substance in a red blood cells. It carries oxygen and gives the blood cell it’s red color. The hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in blood and is a good indication of the blood’s ability to carry oxygen throughout the body. This

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A complete blood count (CBC) provides important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC can help a health professional evaluate symptoms (such as weakness, fatigue, or bruising) and diagnose conditions (such as anemia, infection, and

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