Which test measures the components in blood including red cells, white cells, and platelets?

The complete blood count (CBC) is a comprehensive test that evaluates various components of blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. By analyzing these components, the CBC can provide valuable insights into a person's overall health, helping to diagnose conditions such as anemia, infection, and many other disorders related to blood and bone marrow.

In detail, the test measures:

• Red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

• White blood cells, which are crucial for the immune response and help to fight infections.

• Platelets, which are essential for normal blood clotting.

Other options do not serve the same purpose. For example, the comprehensive metabolic panel and basic metabolic panel primarily focus on measuring substances like electrolytes, glucose, and kidney function, rather than the cellular components of blood. Blood gas analysis assesses oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, along with the acid-base balance, but does not evaluate red and white blood cells or platelets.