Complete Blood Count

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common blood test that evaluates your overall health and helps detect a wide range of conditions such as anemia, infections, inflammation, bleeding disorders, and blood cancers.

What Does a CBC Measure?

1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

• RBC count – Number of red blood cells

• Hemoglobin (Hb) – Protein in RBCs that carries oxygen

• Hematocrit (Hct) – Percentage of blood made up of RBCs

• MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) – Average size of RBCs

• MCH / MCHC – Amount and concentration of hemoglobin in RBCs

• RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) – Variation in RBC size

🔎 Abnormal results may indicate:

• Low values → anemia, blood loss, nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate)

• High values → dehydration, lung disease, certain bone marrow disorders

2. White Blood Cells (WBCs)

White blood cells help fight infection.

• Total WBC count

• Differential count (types of WBCs):

  • Neutrophils

  • Lymphocytes

  • Monocytes

  • Eosinophils

  • Basophils

🔎 Abnormal results may indicate:

• High WBC → infection, inflammation, stress, leukemia

• Low WBC → bone marrow problems, autoimmune disorders, viral infections

3. Platelets

Platelets help with blood clotting.

• Platelet count

• MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) – Average size of platelets

🔎 Abnormal results may indicate:

• Low platelets → bleeding risk

• High platelets → clotting risk or inflammation

Why Is a CBC Done?

A doctor may order a CBC to:

• Check general health during routine exams

• Investigate symptoms (fatigue, fever, bruising, weakness)

• Monitor medical conditions

• Monitor treatments (chemotherapy, medications)

Normal Ranges (Approximate for Adults)

Ranges may vary by laboratory, age, and sex.