Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test: What It Is, Why It Is Done, and What Your Results Mean

A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests. It measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood, giving your doctor a broad picture of your overall health.

The Aspergillus fumigatus 6 Antibody test detects whether your immune system has produced specific antibodies (IgG) against Aspergillus fumigatus, a common mold found in the environment. This test is performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear liquid that surrounds and cushions your brain and spinal cord.

This test is often done as part of a routine checkup to screen for conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or blood disorders. It may also be ordered if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakness, fever, dizziness, or unusual bruising or bleeding.

This test is primarily ordered to help diagnose Aspergillus infections that have spread to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is especially important for patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or patients undergoing chemotherapy, who are at higher risk for fungal infections.

A health care professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm, usually on the inside of your elbow. The site is cleaned, a needle is inserted, and the sample is collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory. The procedure takes only a few minutes.

The sample is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture, commonly known as a spinal tap. A healthcare provider inserts a thin needle between the bones in your lower spine to withdraw a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid. The area is numbed first to minimize discomfort.

Your results show whether your blood cell counts fall within the normal range. High or low values can point to conditions such as anemia, infection, or clotting problems, but a single result rarely gives a diagnosis on its own. Your doctor will interpret your numbers together with your symptoms, medications, and medical history.

A positive result indicates that antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus were detected in your cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting that you may have or recently had a fungal infection involving the central nervous system. A negative result means no antibodies were detected, but it does not completely rule out infection, especially in very early stages or in patients with severely weakened immune systems.