What major health issue could a CBC help detect related to infections?

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a vital laboratory test that provides comprehensive information about various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. One of the primary functions of a CBC is to assess the body's response to infections and other immune system-related conditions.

When there is an infection, the body's immune system typically reacts by increasing the number of white blood cells (WBCs), particularly certain types such as neutrophils or lymphocytes, depending on the nature of the infection (bacterial or viral). This increase can be detected through a CBC, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing immune system disorders or evaluating the body's response to infections.

While a CBC can provide some insight into other health issues, such as anemia (related to red blood cells) or certain platelet disorders, its strongest correlation is with the evaluation of immune response and infections. Therefore, identifying immune system disorders through changes in WBC counts and types is a significant use of the CBC in clinical practice.