NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What might indicate a need for a follow-up test after a patient's complete blood count?

1. Normal platelet count

2. Abnormal white blood cell count

3. Normal hemoglobin level

4. Normal hematocrit level

The correct answer is: Abnormal white blood cell count

An abnormal white blood cell count is a significant indicator that will often necessitate further investigation. White blood cells (WBCs) play a crucial role in the immune system, and variations in their count can suggest a range of conditions, including infections, inflammatory diseases, or hematological disorders such as leukemias. When the WBC count deviates from the normal range, it can signal underlying health issues that require more detailed analysis through additional blood tests or other diagnostic procedures to pinpoint the cause of the abnormality and determine the appropriate treatment. On the other hand, normal results for platelet count, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit level typically do not indicate an immediate need for follow-up tests. These values falling within their respective normal ranges generally suggest that those specific aspects of blood health are stable, reducing the need for further examination in those areas.