Complete blood count

A complete blood count (CBC), also known as a complete blood cell count, full blood count (FBC), or full blood exam (FBE), is a blood panel requested by a doctor or other medical professional that gives information about the cells in a patient's blood, such as the cell count for each cell type and the concentrations of various proteins and minerals. A scientist or lab technician performs the requested testing and provides the requesting medical professional with the results of the CBC.

Blood counts of various types have been used for clinical purposes since the 19th century. Automated equipment to carry out complete blood counts was developed in the 1950s and 1960s.

The cells that circulate in the bloodstream are generally divided into three types: white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). Abnormally high or low counts may indicate the presence of many forms of disease, and hence blood counts are amongst the most commonly performed blood tests in medicine, as they can provide an overview of a patient's general health status. A CBC is routinely performed during annual physical examinations in some jurisdictions.

Blood Count

"Blood Count" is a 1967 jazz composition by Billy Strayhorn. It was originally meant for a three-piece work Strayhorn was writing for Duke Ellington and initially titled "Blue Cloud". However, Strayhorn was hospitalized in 1967 due to cancer and finished the composition while in the hospital. He died on 31 May and "Blood Count" was his last finished composition. The Ellington orchestra debuted "Blood Count" at a Carnegie Hall concert in March, this was later released as The Greatest Jazz Concert in the World. In August 1967 Ellington recorded the tune on his tribute album for Strayhorn, ...And His Mother Called Him Bill. Although Ellington never played the tune again after the recording session, many other artists have since recorded it, including Stan Getz, Jimmy Rowles, Joe Henderson and Bobby Watson. "Blood Count" will be a part of the repertoire for the 2013 Essentially Ellington competition.

Notes