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About This Panel

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered laboratory tests, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the cellular components of blood. It measures red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and related indices, offering critical information about hematologic health, infection, anemia, and other systemic conditions.

A CBC with differential expands the basic CBC by breaking down the types of white blood cells present, providing additional diagnostic information about infection type, allergic reactions, and bone marrow function.

Clinical Applications

  • Anemia Evaluation: Assessment of type and severity (iron deficiency, B12/folate, hemolytic)
  • Infection Detection: Elevated WBC suggests infection; differential identifies pattern
  • Bleeding Disorders: Low platelets indicate thrombocytopenia risk
  • Hematologic Malignancies: Leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Monitoring Therapy: Chemotherapy effects, medication side effects
  • Preoperative Screening: Baseline assessment before surgery
  • Chronic Disease: Anemia of chronic disease monitoring
  • Transfusion Decisions: Guiding blood product administration

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

RBC Count

Men: 4.6-6.2 M/μL | Women: 4.2-5.4 M/μL

Number of red blood cells per microliter. Evaluates anemia and polycythemia. Decreased in blood loss, hemolysis, or bone marrow failure.

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Hemoglobin (Hgb)

Men: 13-18 g/dL | Women: 12-16 g/dL

Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Best single indicator of anemia. Critical for transfusion decisions.

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Hematocrit (Hct)

Men: 41.5-50.4% | Women: 35.9-44.6%

Percentage of blood volume occupied by RBCs. Affected by hydration status. Generally ~3× hemoglobin value.

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RBC Indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC)

MCV: 80-100 fL

Red cell size and hemoglobin content. MCV classifies anemia as microcytic (<80), normocytic, or macrocytic (>100).

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White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

WBC Count

Normal: 4,500-11,000 cells/μL

Total white blood cell count. Elevated in infection, inflammation, stress, or malignancy. Low in immunosuppression or bone marrow failure.

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WBC Differential

5 Cell Types (see details)

Breakdown of WBC types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils. Essential for infection type and hematologic diagnosis.

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Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Platelet Count

Normal: 150,000-450,000/μL

Cell fragments essential for blood clotting. Low count (thrombocytopenia) increases bleeding risk; high count (thrombocytosis) increases clot risk.

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