Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Complete Blood Count (CBC), is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, and leukemia. A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including:
Red blood cells, which carry oxygen
White blood cells, which fight infection
Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
Hematocrit is the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood
Platelets, which help with blood clotting

What is it used for?
A complete blood count is a common blood test that is often part of a routine checkup. Complete blood counts can help detect a variety of disorders including infections, anemia, diseases of the immune system, and blood cancers.
What does the test measure?
A CBC involves multiple measurements that include the number of blood cells and some of their physical features. A standard CBC includes several elements related to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that are described in the following sections.
Red blood cell measurements
Red blood cells (RBCs) are also called erythrocytes. They carry oxygen from your lungs to the tissues and organs in your body. A CBC test includes several basic measurements of RBCs:
- RBC count is the total number of red blood cells in your blood sample.
- Hemoglobin measures the amount of this oxygen-carrying protein that is found inside RBCs.
- Hematocrit measures the proportion of your total blood volume that consists of red blood cells.
A CBC also provides details about the physical features of red blood cells. These are known as RBC indices. There are several kinds of RBC indices:
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of red blood cells.
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of hemoglobin inside each red blood cell.
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculated measurement of how concentrated hemoglobin is within red blood cells.
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measurement of the variation in the size of your red blood cells.
The CBC may include the reticulocyte count, which is the total number of newly released young red blood cells in your blood sample. It may also be measured as a percentage.
White blood cell measurements
White blood cells (WBCs) are also called leukocytes. They are an important part of the body’s immune system.
A standard CBC measures the WBC count, which is the total number of white blood cells in a sample of blood.
A common variation of the CBC is the complete blood count with differential. The white blood cell differential is a breakdown of the amount of each of the five different types of WBCs:
- Neutrophils: Neutrophils make up the greatest percentage of WBCs and are produced by the bone marrow to fight a diverse array of inflammatory and infectious diseases.
- WBC
- Monocytes: Monocytes work in conjunction with neutrophils to combat infections and other illnesses while removing damaged or dead cells.
- Eosinophils: Eosinophils are WBCs that are activated in response to allergies and some types of infections.
- Basophils: Basophils are involved in the early identification of infections as well as wound repair and allergic reactions.

Initial blood testing may include a CBC with differential, or this test may be done after an initial standard CBC was abnormal. Because each white blood cell type has a different function, the CBC with differential can be used to identify abnormal levels of specific WBCs, which may offer clues about an underlying health concern.
Platelet measurements
Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are cell fragments that circulate in the blood and play an essential role in blood clotting. When there is an injury and bleeding begins, platelets help stop bleeding by sticking to the injury site and clumping together to form a temporary plug.
A standard component of the CBC is the platelet count, which is the number of platelets in your blood sample. In some cases, your doctor may have the laboratory also measure the mean platelet volume (MPV), which determines the average size of platelets.
How you prepare
If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for additional tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.
Results
The following are normal complete blood count results for adults:
Red blood cell count | Male: 38.3-48.6 percent Female: 35.5-44.9 percent |
Hemoglobin | Male: 13.2-16.6 grams/dL*** (132-166 grams/L)Female: 11.6-15 grams/dL (116-150 grams/L) |
Hematocrit | Male: 38.3-48.6 percentFemale: 35.5-44.9 percent |
White blood cell count | 3.4-9.6 billion cells/L (3,400 to 9,600 cells/mcL) |
Platelet count | Male: 135-317 billion/L (135,000 to 317,000/mcL)Female: 157-371 billion/L (157,000 to 371,000/mcL) |
* L = liter** mcL = microliter*** dL = deciliter |
What the results may indicate
Results in the following areas above or below the normal ranges on a complete blood count may indicate a problem.
- Red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The results of your red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are related because they each measure aspects of your red blood cells. If the measures in these three areas are lower than normal, you have anemia. Anemia causes fatigue and weakness. Anemia has many causes, including low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or an underlying condition. A red blood cell count that’s higher than normal (erythrocytosis), or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels, could point to an underlying medical condition, such as polycythemia vera or heart disease.
- White blood cell count. A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) may be caused by a medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems, or cancer. Certain medications also can cause white blood cell counts to drop. If your white blood cell count is higher than normal, you may have an infection or inflammation. Or, it could indicate that you have an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. A high white blood cell count can also be a reaction to the medication.
- Platelet count. A platelet count that’s lower than normal (thrombocytopenia) or higher than normal (thrombocytosis) is often a sign of an underlying medical condition, or it may be a side effect of the medication. If your platelet count is outside the normal range, you’ll likely need additional tests to diagnose the cause.
Is there anything else I need to know about a complete blood count?
A complete blood count is only one tool your health care provider uses to learn about your health. Your provider will consider your medical history, symptoms, and other factors to make a diagnosis.
[…] – coagulation tube (light blue top). If just a routine coagulation assay is the only test ordered, then a single light blue top tube may be drawn. If there is a […]
[…] There is tens of thousand platelets in a single drop of blood. A platelets count is a part of Complete blood Count […]
[…] are special type of white blood cells, these cells are readily stained with basic dyes (this is where the name comes from). The dark […]
[…] with potential donor blood. If your blood cells clump when mixed with a donor sample, the donor blood or organ is incompatible with your […]
[…] Culture Media Sputum examination check the quality and quantity of mucus. Visual examination of the sputum determines whether the sputum sample is lacy or thin or contains mucopurulent or saliva. Contaminated with blood. […]
[…] Blood circulates within the body within a system of vessels. Along with the plasma in the blood, blood cells also circulate in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. […]
[…] plasma can be used to detect magnesium. Since the concentration of Mg2+ is 10 times higher in red blood cells than in ECF, this is why To ensure that hemolysis does not occur within the sample, the cells […]
[…] of a normal red blood cell is 120 days. Red blood cells do not have a nucleus. Cell size 8 microns. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, […]
[…] blood clot dissolves in your body. Blood clot is an important that prevent you from losing too much blood when you are injured, normally blood will dissolve the clot once and injury has healed. Sometime the conditions may be […]
[…] quantitative test results indicate the exact amount of HCV in your blood. This number helps your doctor confirm whether you have a high or low viral […]
[…] evaluate blood clotting. It is a protein produced by your liver. It is one of many factors in your blood that help it to clot appropriately. The calcium in whole blood is removed by sodium citrate, and prevent […]
[…] is the most commonly used anticoagulant. EDTA binds to the calcium present in the blood and thus the clotting ability of the blood is lost due to the absence of free […]
[…] being loaded into the system, Now add a few Control samples than the actual blood sample. Allow the blood sample into the machine to run the tests. Blood samples being loaded after a given specified time around […]
[…] To the drop of antiserum add 2 drops of whole blood. […]
[…] Gland, Macrophage and Neutrophil act as helpers of this […]
[…] can cause fresh blood in the […]
[…] the plasma for the test. Now micropipette applies five microliter of plasma or whole blood to the one area indicated in the arrow […]
[…] Smear, Blood bar A drop of blood is obtained to prepare a smear. It is placed on a slide that is clean and not greasy. It is prepared […]
Thank you for your articles. I find them very helpful. Could you help me with something?
[…] a provided micropipette apply five microliters of serum Plasma or whole blood to the one area indicated by the arrow […]
!You could be a little inaccurate. Can you add some more detail for me please? 🙂
[…] Differential Count […]
[…] Blood circulates within the body within a system of vessels. Along with the plasma in the blood, blood cells also circulate in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. […]
certainly like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again.
Hello, I enjoy your blog and I agreed with this entry the most. . Where might I learn more?
This is very well-written. I wonder if I could counter with a follow-up question?
[…] CBC Test: Complete Blood Count […]
Thanks for this post, it has been incredibly helpful to me! Much simpler than anything else out there.
Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I wish to put in writing like this additionally ?taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article?but what can I say?I procrastinate alot and certainly not appear to get one thing done.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So good to search out somebody with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this web site is one thing that is wanted on the net, somebody with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the web!
I have mastered some new items from your web-site about desktops. Another thing I’ve always believed is that laptop computers have become something that each family must have for many reasons. They supply you with convenient ways in which to organize the home, pay bills, search for information, study, pay attention to music as well as watch tv programs. An innovative strategy to complete these types of tasks is with a laptop. These personal computers are portable ones, small, potent and portable.
[…] (a) Neutrophil(b) Dendritic cell ✓(c) Eosinophil(d) Basophil […]
whoah this blog is excellent i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, many people are searching around for this information, you can help them greatly.
[…] Q No. 1: Platelets are stored at temperature? […]
[…] Q No. 1: What is the number of cells in the total volume of blood? […]
I am impressed with this internet site, very I am a big fan .
Hi there, I discovered your site by the use of Google whilst looking for a comparable subject, your website got here up, it seems to be great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
obviously like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to inform the truth however I抣l surely come again again.
This is very well broken down and helpful, thankyou. I value the way you touch on key concepts minus hyperbole. It’s useful insight and I find you worth a follow.
You can certainly see your skills within the work you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.
Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Superb work!
Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I would like to put in writing like this additionally ?taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article?however what can I say?I procrastinate alot and under no circumstances seem to get something done.
Статья предоставляет информацию, основанную на различных источниках и анализе.
[…] second tube is a lavender top tube. It is also called an EDTA tube or purple top tube and is mostly used for hematology procedure EDTA remove calcium from the blood and the blood in […]
[…] Blood Component Separation (if […]