One of the most common types of medical tests used these days to determine if you are sick, having difficulties, if you aren't sick at all or to better pinpoint a current complaint or medical red-flag is a blood test known as a Complete Blood Count Test, or more often explained as, CBC, the acronym.

Humans couldn't exist without blood flowing head to toes within our bodies. Thus it makes sense it is one of the first tests ordered by your doctor when determining diagnosis. A CBC blood test is often called out by doctors in t.v. dramas these days, which may be a bit of an overkill, but in reality, it is a crucial step in understanding what's right and what's abnormal with you, internally.

CBC blood tests can be ordered by a doctor simply when you're are under the weather, chronically tired, or even when you simply have a flu. You don't have to be in the jaws of death, nor completely sick to have CBC blood tests ordered.

But, that said, every year when you visit your doctor, physician or alternative practitioner for your annual check-up, if your physician doesn't order a CBC Blood Test, by all means, ask he or she does. It is the cheapest, most simple, perhaps life-saving act you can do and should do at least once a year.

Your complete blood count test is a representation of your internal (which fuels your exterior) health and if there's something to worry about, odds are, warning signs will be found within your blood and its makeup. Not always, but more often enough. A number of determining factors are studied with CBC Blood Tests: white blood cells and red blood cells or levels, the HCT (or Hematocrit, which basically determines the volume of space which your blood occupies), Hgb (or Hemoglobin which accounts for the oxygen within your blood cells), and platelet count which determines your blood's ability to clot.

Too many or too few of another element of your blood, depending on those numbers could be a warning that reveals to your medical staff what's really going on. While the diagnosis variables can be numerous and cover a wide spectrum, having your CBC Blood Test at least once per year, after visiting your physician can provide you answers to many questions about your internal and external health, that just an external examination, listening to your heart, checking your lungs and using a tongue depressor just can't do.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test (or Tests) can give you exact answers to why you're fatigued, not feeling 'normal', showing bruising for 'no reason', having chest discomfort, have a virus, are showing allergic reactions, plus a mountain of other potential issues. But, perhaps even more important, such blood tests allow you the possibly life-saving, longevity stretching benefit of detecting early warning signs of perhaps debilitating and life threatening trouble if ignored. Make a note now for you and your family to consistently (at least once a year) take part in a CBC Blood Test or Complete Blood Count Tests. It may spare your life and theirs, but even if nothing is terribly out of order, it's an easy way to boost the quality of your life.