Primary Care Lunch and Learn: CBC interpretation and Red Flags

Objectives (Educational Content) :

1. Explain the various components of a CBC.

2. Distinguish between concerning and benign red flags.

3. Identify CBC abnormalities that require a hematology referral.

Target Audience:

General pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, psychologists, and nurses.

Identified Gap:

Primary care providers and frontline clinicians may have limited experience interpreting the full range of Complete Blood Count (CBC) components and distinguishing between benign variations and red flags that warrant further evaluation. Uncertainty in recognizing abnormalities that require hematology referral can lead to delayed diagnosis or unnecessary testing.

Estimated Time to Complete the Educational Activity:

1 hour(s)

Expiration Date for CE/CME Credit:

09-10-2026

Method of Participation in the Learning Process:

The learner will view the presentation, successfully complete a post-test and complete an activity evaluation.

Evaluation Methods:

All learners must successfully complete a post-test, as well as an activity evaluation, to claim CE/CME credit.

Disclosure:

The following presenter has indicated that there are no financial relationship with any ineligible companies: Stephanie Savelli, MD The following planning committee member has indicated that a financial relationship with an ineligible company: All relationships have been mitigated. The remaining planning committee/CME committee members have indicated that they have no financial relationships with any ineligible companies.

Accreditation Statement:

Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron is accredited by the Ohio State Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CHMCA designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM.  Physicians should only claim the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Bibliography:

1. George, TI (2025). Automated complete blood count (CBC). UpToDate. Retrieved September 3, 2025 from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/automated-completed-blood-count-CBC

2. Weller PF and Klion AD (2024). Approach to the patient with unexplained eosinophilia. UpToDate. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approadh-to-the-patient-with-unexplained-eosinophilia

3. Tefferi A (2023). Diagnostic approach to the patient with erythrocytosis/polycythemia. UpToDate. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnostic-approach-to-the-patient-with-erythrocytosis-polycythemia