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The Complete Blood Count: A Practical Tool for the Pediatrician
Samuel Pabón-Rivera1, Raina R Flores2, Melissa Frei-Jones1
1Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics.
Insights
Pediatricians should perform baseline hematology evaluations, including hemoglobin and hematocrit, for children starting at 12 months. A complete blood count (CBC) aids in diagnosing common blood disorders, with this review offering a step-by-step interpretation guide.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Early detection of pediatric blood disorders is crucial for optimal outcomes.
- Clinical assessment alone may not suffice for accurate diagnosis.
- A systematic approach to laboratory data enhances diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Routine hematologic screening in children is essential.
- Mastering CBC interpretation empowers general pediatricians to diagnose and manage common blood disorders effectively.
- This structured approach facilitates timely and appropriate patient care.
Abstract:
Every child should have a baseline hematology evaluation with hemoglobin and hematocrit levels starting at age 12 months, or younger if clinically indicated. Although history and physical examination provide key information needed to diagnose blood disorders, the addition of a complete blood count (CBC) with differential count and reticulocyte count allows the clinician to narrow the differential diagnosis and tailor the subsequent evaluation. The interpretation of CBC results is a skill that requires practice. Every clinician can learn to identify possible diagnoses before consulting a specialist. This review provides a step-by-step approach for CBC interpretation with tools to help the clinician diagnose and interpret the most common blood disorders seen in the general pediatric clinic or inpatient setting.
