American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

In which department of the lab would a CBC be performed?

1. Hematology

2. Chemistry

3. Microbiology

4. Immunology

The correct answer is: Hematology

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common laboratory test that evaluates various components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. This test is essential in diagnosing conditions like anemia, infection, and many other disorders. Because the primary focus of a CBC is to analyze blood cells and their characteristics, it falls under the hematology department. The hematology department specifically deals with the study of blood and its disorders, focusing on elements like blood cell counts, coagulation studies, and the examination of blood smears. This specialized domain ensures that the results from a CBC are accurate and relevant for medical diagnoses and treatment planning. Other departments, such as chemistry, microbiology, and immunology, focus on different types of analyses. For instance, the chemistry department handles tests related to chemical compounds in blood and body fluids, such as electrolytes and enzymes. Microbiology is focused on detecting infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Immunology investigates autoimmune diseases and allergies. Therefore, while each department plays a critical role in the lab, the CBC is specifically conducted in hematology due to its focus on blood components and disorders.