A complete blood count (CBC) provides information about what?

A complete blood count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood test that provides critical information about the cellular components of the blood. Specifically, it measures the types and quantities of blood cells, which typically include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

By evaluating these components, healthcare providers can obtain insights into various health conditions. For example, high or low levels of red blood cells may indicate anemia or polycythemia, while the white blood cell count can reflect the body's immune response and help identify potential infections or hematological disorders.

While hormonal levels, the presence of infections, and the body's immune response are important aspects of overall health, they are not directly quantified or assessed through a CBC. Hormonal levels would be evaluated through different tests specifically designed for that purpose, the presence of infections might be inferred from abnormal white blood cell levels but not exclusively identified by a CBC alone, and the immune response encompasses a broader range of assessments beyond cellular counts.

Thus, the correct choice reflects the key function of a CBC in providing valuable data about the types and numbers of cells present in the blood, which serves as a foundational element in evaluating a patient’s health status.