This is why they are such a common test. Some of the most common diseases a CBC detects include anemia, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow disorders, dehydration, infections, inflammation, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndrome, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, nutritional deficiencies e. Depending on the condition, CBC results often will not result in a diagnosis. Follow up tests may be done to properly determine the condition.
What these tests will include depends on the abnormalities found, medical history, and the suspected condition. If you have had a CBC done recently, you may need help with the interpretation of full blood count. Blood is made of two components - plasma and cells. Plasma is the liquid the cells are supported by. A CBC is responsible for testing the cells. There may be several terms on the results you are not familiar with. The normal ranges listed below are for a healthy adult.
Ranges vary depending on sex, age, and other conditions. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen around the body. Its normal range is Hematocrit indicates the proportion of the count that are red blood cells. A normal range is a 0. MCV is mean cell volume, and should be 74 to 87 fL. MCH is the amount of hemoglobin per blood cell, and a normal range is 24 to 29 pg.
WBC stands for white blood cells, and indicates the total number of white blood cells in the blood. A White blood cell normal range is 4. Also, platelets may be involved in hardening of the arteries atherosclerosis. Mean platelet volume measures the average amount volume of platelets. MPV is used along with platelet count to diagnose some diseases. If the platelet count is normal, the MPV can still be too high or too low.
A CBC may be done as part of a regular physical exam. There are many other reasons that a doctor may want this blood test, including to:. When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle.
Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch. There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site. Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test.
The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you. Normal values for the complete blood count CBC tests depend on age, sex, how high above sea level you live, and the type of blood sample. Your doctor may use all the CBC values to check for a condition. For example, the red blood cell RBC count, hemoglobin Hgb , and hematocrit HCT are the most important values needed to tell whether a person has anemia.
But the red blood cell indices and the blood smear also help with the diagnosis and may show a possible cause for the anemia. To see if the white blood cell WBC, leukocyte count is good and how the cells look on the smear, your doctor will look at both the number WBC count and the WBC differential.
To see whether there are too many or too few of a certain type of cell, your doctor will look at the total count and the percentage of that particular cell. There are normal values for the total number of each type of white cell. Pregnancy can change these blood values. Your doctor will talk with you about normal values during each trimester of your pregnancy. Current as of: September 23, Gabica MD - Family Medicine.
Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines.
Top of the page. Test Overview A complete blood count CBC gives important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells , white blood cells , and platelets. White blood cell types WBC differential. Red blood cell RBC count. Hemoglobin Hgb. Red blood cell indices. A CBC test measures the total number of white cells in your blood. A test called a CBC with differential also measures the number of each type of these white blood cells Platelets , which help your blood to clot and stop bleeding Hemoglobin , a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs and to the rest of your body Hematocrit , a measurement of how much of your blood is made up of red blood A complete blood count may also include measurements of chemicals and other substances in your blood.
Other names for a complete blood count: CBC, full blood count, blood cell count. What is it used for? Why do I need a complete blood count? In addition, the test may be used to: Diagnose a blood disease, infection, immune system and disorder , or other medical conditions Keep track of an existing blood disorder.
What happens during a complete blood count? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test?
What do the results mean? For instance: Abnormal red blood cell, hemoglobin, or hematocrit levels may indicate anemia , iron deficiency, or heart disease Low white cell count may indicate an autoimmune disorder , bone marrow disorder , or cancer High white cell count may indicate an infection or reaction to medication If any of your levels are abnormal, it does not necessarily indicate a medical problem needing treatment.
Is there anything else I need to know about a complete blood count? References Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c Bethesda MD : U.
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