Cellular Evaluation – Measurement of CBC, MCV, ESR

Cellular Evaluation is related to the blood tests done at a variety of levels. This can include the full blood count or can also have cross-matching. It also includes blood cultures for studying infection traits.

Full Blood Count is a routine analysis performed on a blood sample of a patient that measures a WBC count, RBC count, red cell distribution width, the hematocrit and the hemoglobin. They can help the doctor in determining the level of advancement of the patient’s disease.

Hematocrit & MCV: Hematocrit is the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by RBC. It is normally about 48% for men and 38% for women and is considered an integral part of a person’s CBC results. 
MCV is the abbreviation for Mean Corpuscular Volume which is the average volume of red blood cells. It is a calculated value derived from the hematocrit and the red blood cell count and is a part of the CBC.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is the distance red blood cells travel in an hour in a blood sample as they settle to the bottom of a test tube. The sedimentation rate increases in case of inflammation, infection and blood bone marrow diseases.

Cross Matching refers to the complex process that is done prior to a blood transfusion. It is done to test the compatibility of the donor and the intended recipient. Cross matching is done by a certified laboratory technician and can be done electronically with a computer or serologically.  

Blood Cultures are tests designed to detect if microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are present in blood. A sample of blood is obtained using sterile technique and is placed in a culture media. It is incubated in a controlled environment and observed. If there is a growth in the microorganisms, more tests are done. Because microorganisms may only be intermittently present in blood, a series of 3 blood cultures is usually done before the result is considered negative.