Complete Blood Count (CBC) Results Explained Clearly

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Results Explained Clearly is organized by MedCram, Continuing Education Company, Inc. (CEC).

Release Date: 4/1/2021 (Reviewed and extended on 4/1/2024)
Expiration Date: 4/1/2027 (Date after which this enduring material is no longer certified for credit.)
Medium: Enduring Material, Video/Audio

Course Overview:
The complete blood count (CBC) is a group of tests that evaluates the cells that circulate in the blood and is used to determine general health status, screen for, diagnose, or monitory a variety of diseases and conditions that affect blood cells. The CBC is one of the most ordered lab tests by clinicians in the hospital and outpatient settings. However, many clinicians make common interpretation mistakes and most have not learned to unlock the full potential of the CBC.  

Learners will gain a clear understanding of a variety of CBC results including leukocytosis, anemia, polycythemia, and thrombocytopenia, and learn the initial management and treatment recommendations based on the CBC result – including blood transfusions and protocols for procedures. Furthermore, clinicians will learn the guidelines of when to order a CBC, tips for following serial CBCs, the frequency to use for following up labs, and the nuances, pitfalls, and patterns of the CBC.

Course Objectives:
As a result of this educational activity, participants should be better able to:
• Explain what each value of the complete blood count represents physiologically, as well as identify when and how frequently to order a complete blood count. 
• Describe the significance of either an abnormally high or low result in each category of a complete blood count. 
• Distinguish the therapeutics involved with each abnormal value and explain what considerations, if any, need to be addressed before correcting the results.

What You'll Receive From This Course:
• An understanding of each possible CBC result: leukocytosis, anemia, polycythemia, thrombocytopenia, etc.
• Initial management and treatment recommendations based on the CBC result - including blood transfusions and protocols for procedures
• Guidelines for when to order a CBC, the frequency to use for follow up labs, and tips for following serial CBCs
• A clinical perspective of CBC nuances, pitfalls, and patterns
• Quiz questions to reinforce core concepts and help you study
• 1 year of unlimited access on up to 3 devices