Last modified on Sep 28, 2022
CBC Blood Test (Complete Blood Count)
Also Known As: CC, Complete Blood Count With Differential, CBC With Diff, Full Blood Count, Blood Cell
Count
Thomas Kampfrath, PhD, DABCC, FAACC
Test Quick Guide
The complete blood count (CBC) is an essential comprehensive blood
panel that allows your doctor to evaluate each type of cell in your
blood.
The CBC measures the number of red blood cells (RBC), white blood
cells (WBC), and platelets (PLT). Each of these types of blood cells
performs important functions, so determining their levels can provide
important health information.
A CBC may be used to help diagnose a range of health conditions and
also monitor how the body is affected by different diseases or medical
treatments.About the Test
Purpose of the test
The purpose of a CBC is to give your health care provider details
about the state of your health. It is an important medical tool
because it uses one sample to analyze the complete spectrum of
cells found in the blood as well as some of the characteristics of
those cells.
Because it provides information about every type of cell in the blood,
‘the CBC can provide information related to a wide variety of medical
problems,
The primary uses for the CBC are diagnosis, monitoring, and
screening
+ Diagnosis is determining the cause of a patient's symptoms. The
CBC can identify many different abnormalities in the blood that
can be linked to distinct medical problems. For this reason, the
CBC is frequently used as a diagnostic test. In many cases, it
can confirm or rule out certain conditions and may be used
alongside other tests to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.
+ Monitoring is the process of following a patient’s condition over
time. A CBC can be used to monitor patients who have
previously been diagnosed with blood cell disorders. It can help
see how a person's condition has responded to treatment and
may be used to watch for side effects of some medical
treatments,
+ Screening is testing to find health problems before there are
any symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a CBC as
a screening test during routine check-ups.
What does the test measure?
ACBC involves multiple measurements that include the number of
blood cells and some of their physical features. A standard CBC
includes several elements related to RBCs, WBCs, and PLT that are
described in the following sections.
Table of Contents
Test Quick Guide
About the Test
Finding a Complete
Blood Count Test
Taking a CBC
Complete Blood Count
Test Results
Related Tests
Resources
SourcesRed blood cell measurements
RBC, also called erythrocytes, 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 RBCs 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 RBCs.
ACBC also provides details about the physical features of RBC.
These are known as RBC indices, of which there are several kinds:
+ Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the
average size of RBC.
+ Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of
hemoglobin inside each RBC.
+ Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a
calculated measurement of how concentrated hemoglobin is
within RBC.
+ Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measurement of the
variation in the size of your RBC.
The CBC may include the reticulocyte count, the total number of
newly released young R&Cs in your blood sample. It may also be
measured as a percentage.
e blood cell measurements
WEBCs, also called leukocytes, are an important part of the body's
immune system.
Astandard CBC includes measures of the WBC count, which is the
total number of WBCs in a sample of blood.
Acommon variation of the CBC is the CBC with differential. The WBC
differential is a breakdown of the amount of each of 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.
+ Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes such as B-cells and T-cells are
found primarily in the lymph system and fight bacteria and
other pathogens in the blood
+ Monocytes: Monocytes work in conjunction with neutrophils to
combat infections and other illnesses while removing damaged
or dead cells.+ Eosinophils: Eosinophils are WBCs 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 abnormal initial standard CBC. Because each
WBC 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 (PLT), 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, PLT 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 PLT count, which is the
number of PLT in your blood sample.
In some cases, your doctor may have the laboratory also measure
‘the mean PLT volume (MPV), which determines the average size of
PLT.
When should | get a complete blood count?
The CBC is a very common test. You may have a CBC performed
when you have a routine health examination, are being diagnosed or
assessed for a disease or condition, or when your provider is
monitoring the effectiveness of a treatment.
Because blood counts can be affected by a diverse range of health
conditions, the CBC may be recommended by your doctor to help
identify the cause of many different kinds of symptoms. Your health
care provider is in the best position to address whether a CBC is
appropriate in your specific situation.Finding a Complete Blood Count
Test
How can | get a complete blood count test?
A CBC requires a needle blood draw and is most commonly
conducted by a licensed professional in a health care setting like a
hospital or doctor's office.
Can | take the test at home?
There are few options available for at-home CBC testing. Kits for use
at home involve a fingerstick; you prick your finger with a small
needle to produce a drop of blood. That blood is applied to a special
test paper and is then sent to a lab.
After the lab is done analyzing the blood, it provides results either
online or through a smartphone app. Results usually take two to
three days after the sample is received
These at-home tests do not provide a diagnosis or confirm a specific
illness or disease. Diagnosis and disease confirmation can only be
provided by a doctor. For this reason, it is important to talk to a
doctor before and after taking an at-home blood count test.
How much does the test cost?
The cost of a CBC test depends on several factors, including whether
or not the patient is paying out of pocket or has health insurance.
Because the CBC is common and has many uses, the cost is often
covered by insurance. However, there may still be charges for copays
and deductibles.
Talk to your doctor or insurance provider for specific details about
expected costs for a CBC. If you do not have insurance, a hospital orlaboratory administrator may be able to provide information about
typical costs for uninsured patients.
Taking a CBC
The CBC is ordered and conducted by a licensed professional. The
blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of your
elbow.
Before the test
Unless specified by your provider, there is no special preparation
required before a CBC.
In some instances, a CBC is done along with other blood tests. When
you are getting more than one blood test, your provider may ask you
to not eat anything for a certain amount of time prior to your test.
Ifyou have questions or concerns about any test preparation,
contact your health care provider for specific instructions.
During the test
‘There are several steps that you can expect during a needle blood
draw for a CBC:
‘An antiseptic alcohol wipe is used to cleanse your arm in the
area that the needle will be inserted. This is most often either
inside the elbow or at the top of the hand.
To make the vein in your arm more visible and easier to access
with a needle, a band called a tourniquet is tied around yourupper arm
Aneedle is placed in your vein, and a test tube attached to the
needle is filled with blood. When the needle is inserted there
may be a pinch or a little pain
After the test tube or vial is filled, the needle is removed, and
the test is over.
After the test
After the needle is removed, a bandage will be placed over the
puncture site.
Slight bruising is a common side effect after any blood draw while
dizziness or lightheadedness are less common. Your provider may
have you stay for a few minutes after the blood draw to monitor you
until they are sure you are safe to walk and/or drive.
If you notice any other effects or signs of bleeding or infection after
your blood draw, it is important to promptly contact your health care
provider.
Complete Blood Count Test
Results
Receiving test results
Depending on the laboratory equipment that is used, the results
from a CBC can be available in a few minutes to a few days after theblood sample arrives at the laboratory. You may receive a copy of
your results by mail or through an electronic health portal. Your
doctor may also call you to discuss the results or to schedule an
appointment to review them together.
Interpreting test results
The results from a CBC test will include separate levels listed for
each component of the test including RBC, WBC, and PLT.
For each test component, the report will also show a reference
range that defines what the laboratory that performed the test
considers normal. These ranges, which can vary from lab to lab, are
based on the results of a large sample of healthy people and help
your doctor determine typical and atypical blood levels.
It is essential to talk with your doctor about the significance of your
CBC test results. Your doctor will review your levels and how they
compare to the laboratory's reference ranges. They may also look at
the relationships between your different blood levels and will
consider your current symptoms and health history.
The following sections describe some potential causes of high or low
levels of RBCs, WBCs, or PLT, but it is important to remember that
an abnormal test result is not always a sign of a medical problem.
Some healthy people may have blood counts that fall outside the
standard reference range.
Red blood cell measurements
RBCs carry oxygen through the body, and the RBC count shows the
total number of RBCs found in your blood. Hematocrit and
hemoglobin are other related measures.
Anemia is a condition marked by low levels of RBCs. There are many
potential causes of abnormally low levels of RBCs, hematocrit,
and/or hemoglobin, including:
Excessive acute or chronic bleeding
Destruction of RBCs, such as in a condition called hemolytic
anemiaDisorders that affect the bone marrow, which produces new
RBCs
Nutritional deficiencies such as low iron, folate, or vitamin
B12
Some types of cancer and cancer treatment
Chronic illnesses involving inflammation or disrupted organ
function
High levels of RBCs, hematocrit, and/or hemoglobin can also have a
number of possible causes. Examples include:
Dehydration
Heart or lung disease that reduces oxygen levels
Certain kinds of kidney diseases
Cigarette smoking
Polycythemia vera, a rare disease causing overproduction of
RBCs
In many cases, the CBC will include a set of measurements known
as RBC indices that include the MCV, MCH, and MCHC. These indices
can help distinguish between the most likely causes of anemia.
RBC counts are influenced by many different systems of the body,
and sometimes abnormal levels are related to more than one factor.
Your health care provider is in the best position to explain what the
RBC measurements on your CBC mean for your health.White blood cell counts
WBCs are the main players of the immune system, and the WBC
count is the sum total of five different kinds of WBCs; each plays a
role in immune function.
A low level of WBCs is known as leukopenia. Some of the possible
causes of leukopenia include:
Liver damage, including from alcohol abuse
Severe infections
An enlarged or damaged spleen
Autoimmune diseases
Conditions that disrupt bone marrow function
Certain medications, including many chemotherapies for
cancer
Having too many WBCs is known as leukocytosis. Excess WBCs may
be related to several potential causes:
Infections
Tissue death from injury, burns, or other physical trauma
Allergies and autoimmune conditions
Stress
Some medicationsLeukemia and some other cancers
If you have a CBC with WBC differential, your test report will show
the specific levels of each kind of WBC. These are known as
neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils
Knowing the counts of each type of WBC can provide detailed
information to help your doctor interpret the findings of your CBC.
Platelet count
PLT are responsible for clotting the blood. Abnormal PLT function
can mean you bleed too easily because your blood doesn't clot
properly, or your blood is prone to excess clotting.
Thrombocytopenia, a low PLT count, puts you at risk of excessive
bleeding or bruising. Possible causes of a low PLT count include:
Blood disorders that cause PLT destruction
Some medications, including many chemotherapies
An enlarged spleen
Damage to the bone marrow
Pregnancy
Having too many PLT is called thrombocytosis, and it is associated
with a higher risk of cardiovascular complications from blood clots.
‘Abnormally high PLT counts may be caused by several conditions
including:
Iron deficiency
Some cancersBone marrow dysfunction
Recent infection or other tissue trauma
The test may also measure the MPV (the size of your PLT). The MPV
level can help your doctor understand how rapidly your body is
producing new PLT.
Examples of questions that you can ask your doctor to learn more
about your CBC test results include:
What does my CBC indicate about my health?
Were any results from the test abnormal? If so, which levels
were abnormal?
Are there any diagnoses to be made based on my CBC
results?
Will any follow-up tests be needed based on my CBC
results?
Given my CBC results, is there anything that you would
suggest | do to improve my health?Related Tests
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) Test
Learn More
Hematrocit Blood Test
Learn More
White Blood Cell Count (WBC Blood Test)
Learn More
Platelet Count (PLT) Blood Test
Learn More
Reticulocyte Count Test
Learn More
Blood Smear
Learn More
Iron Test
Learn More
Hemoglobin Blood Test
Learn MoreResources
‘National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Blood Tests
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Understanding Blood Counts
+ National Library of Medicine: Blood Disorders (Hematological
Diseases)
+ National Library of Medicine: Bone Marrow Diseases
Sources
A.D.A.M, Medical Encyclopedia. Neutropenia ~ Infants. Updated December
10, 2021. Accessed September 28, 2022.
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