Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test

The complete blood count, or CBC, is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells carry oxygen throughout your body, fight infection, and help your blood clot properly, so measuring them gives your provider a broad picture of your overall health.

This test looks for the genetic material (DNA) of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex bacteria in your sputum (mucus from your lungs). Acinetobacter baumannii is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections, particularly pneumonia. The test uses a method called nucleic acid amplification (NAA) to detect even small amounts of bacterial DNA, making it very sensitive.

Your doctor may order a CBC as part of a routine checkup, before surgery, or to help diagnose conditions such as anemia, infections, or blood disorders. It can also be used to monitor an existing condition over time or to check how a treatment, such as chemotherapy, is affecting your blood cells.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. It is especially important for patients who are hospitalized, on mechanical ventilation, or have weakened immune systems. This test helps confirm whether an Acinetobacter infection is present, which guides appropriate antibiotic treatment and infection control measures.

A health care professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm, usually on the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand. The site is cleaned with an antiseptic, a needle is inserted, and the blood is collected into a tube. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you may feel a brief sting when the needle goes in.

You will be asked to cough deeply to produce sputum from your lungs. This is usually collected in the morning before eating or drinking. You will spit into a sterile container provided by the healthcare provider. It is important to avoid contaminating the sample with saliva from your mouth. In some cases, a healthcare worker may collect the sample using a suction tube or bronchoscopy.

Your results show whether your red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts fall within the normal ranges. Low red blood cells may suggest anemia, while high white blood cells can point to an infection or inflammation. Abnormal results do not always mean a serious problem, and your provider will interpret them together with your symptoms, medications, and medical history.

A positive result means that Acinetobacter baumannii complex DNA was found in your sputum, indicating an active infection. A negative result suggests no infection with this bacteria, but does not rule out other causes of your symptoms. Your doctor will interpret these results along with your symptoms, other test results, and clinical examination to make a diagnosis and determine treatment.