Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A complete blood count, also called a CBC, is a routine blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It gives your doctor a broad picture of your overall health and helps detect many common conditions.

The androstenedione urine test measures the amount of androstenedione, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands (small glands above your kidneys) and the ovaries. Androstenedione serves as a building block for other important hormones like testosterone (male hormone) and estrogen (female hormone). This test helps doctors understand how well your body is producing and processing these hormones.

Your doctor may order a CBC as part of a regular checkup or to help find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, unusual bruising, or bleeding. It can help identify anemia, infections, and blood disorders, and it is also used to monitor ongoing conditions and how well treatments are working.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting a hormone imbalance, such as excessive hair growth (hirsutism), irregular periods, acne, or unexplained weight changes. It helps diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal gland disorders, or certain tumors that affect hormone production.

A health care professional will clean a small area, usually on the inside of your elbow, and draw a small amount of blood from a vein using a thin needle. The sample is placed in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and a bandage is applied afterward.

A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. You may be asked to collect a 24-hour urine sample or a single morning sample, depending on your doctor's orders. For a 24-hour collection, you will need to collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period. The sample should be kept refrigerated during collection and delivered to the lab as instructed.

Your results show the number, size, and characteristics of each type of blood cell. Values that are higher or lower than the normal range can point to conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting problems, but many factors can affect the numbers. Your doctor will interpret your results together with your symptoms, medical history, and other test findings.

Results show the amount of androstenedione in your urine. High levels may indicate conditions like PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or adrenal tumors. Low levels might suggest adrenal insufficiency or ovarian failure. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your symptoms, age, and other test results.

This test is very safe. You may feel a brief sting when the needle goes in, and the site may be slightly sore or bruised for a day or two. Serious problems such as infection or heavy bleeding are rare. Let your provider know if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners before the blood is drawn.

There are no significant risks associated with this test. The urine collection is non-invasive and safe. Some people may experience minor discomfort or difficulty collecting the sample, especially the 24-hour collection.