Complete Blood Count (CBC): What This Common Blood Test Measures and Why It Matters for Your Health

A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine blood test that measures the cells circulating in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells carry oxygen throughout your body, fight off infections, and help your blood clot properly, so this test gives your doctor a broad picture of your overall health.

The 11-hydroxyandrostenedione test measures the amount of 11-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OHA) in your blood. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. 11-Hydroxyandrostenedione is an important intermediate hormone in the production of androgens, which are sometimes called 'male hormones' though both men and women produce them.

Your doctor may order this test as part of a regular checkup, to help find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, or unusual bruising, or to monitor a condition you already have, such as anemia or an infection. It can also show how a treatment you are receiving is affecting your blood cells over time.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting a hormonal imbalance, such as: excessive hair growth (hirsutism), severe acne, irregular menstrual periods, early puberty, or signs of adrenal gland problems. It helps doctors determine if your adrenal glands are producing too much or too little of certain hormones.

The test is done with a simple blood draw, usually from a vein on the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand. A healthcare professional will clean the skin, wrap a band around your upper arm, and collect a small sample into a tube. The process takes only a few minutes, and you can return to your normal activities right afterward.

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for a certain period before the test, as directed by your doctor. Some medications may affect the test results, so inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

Your results will show whether each of your blood cell counts falls within the normal range. Values that are too high or too low can point to conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting problems, but an abnormal result does not always mean you are ill. Your doctor will interpret the numbers together with your symptoms and medical history to decide whether any follow-up testing or treatment is needed.

Your test results will show whether your 11-hydroxyandrostenedione level is within the normal range. High levels may indicate conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal tumors, or adrenal hyperplasia. Low levels might suggest adrenal insufficiency or other adrenal disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results together with other test results and your symptoms to make a diagnosis.