A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:
The CBC test also provides information about the following measurements:
The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.
A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
There is no special preparation needed.
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, though most people feel only a prick or a stinging sensation. Afterward there may be some throbbing or bruising.
A complete blood count (CBC) is used to detect or monitor many different health conditions. It may be used to:
Blood counts may vary with altitude. In general, normal results are:
RBC count:
WBC count:
Hematocrit:
Hemoglobin:
Red blood cell indices:
Note:
The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
A high RBC or hematocrit may be due to:
A low RBC or hematacrit is a sign of anemia, which can result from:
A lower than normal white blood cell count is called leukopenia. A decreased WBC count may be due to:
High numbers of WBCs is called leukocytosis. It can result from:
Low hemoglobin values may be due to:
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
RBCs transport hemoglobin which, in turn, carries oxygen. The amount of oxygen received by body tissues depends on the amount and function of RBCs and hemoglobin.
WBCs are mediators of inflammation and the immune response. There are various types of WBCs that normally appear in the blood:
Complete blood count
Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 161.
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
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