Home | Start The Analyst | FAQ | Search
Glossary: Complete Blood Count
 


Definition
A set of measurements that are generally determined by specially designed machines that analyze the different components of blood in less than a minute. The values generally included are:
  • White blood cell count (WBC). The number of white blood cells in a volume of blood. Normal range varies slightly between laboratories but is generally between 4,300 and 10,800 cells per cubic millimeter. This can also be referred to as the leukocyte count and can be expressed in international units as 4.3 - 10.8 x 10^9 cells per liter.
  • Automated white cell differential. A machine-generated percentage of the different types of white blood cells, usually split into granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
  • Red cell count (RBC). The number of red blood cells in a volume of blood. Normal range varies slightly between laboratories but is generally between 4.2 - 5.9 million cells per cubic millimeter. This can also be referred to as the erythrocyte count and can be expressed in international units as 4.2 - 5.9 x 10^12 cells per liter.
  • Hemoglobin (Hb). The amount of hemoglobin in a volume of blood. Normal range for hemoglobin is different between the sexes and is approximately 13 - 18 gm/dl for men and 12 - 16 for women (international units 8.1 - 11.2 millimoles/liter for men, 7.4 - 9.9 for women).
  • Hematocrit (Hct). The ratio of the volume of red cells to the volume of whole blood. Normal range for hematocrit is different between the sexes and is approximately 45 - 52% for men and 37 - 48% for women.
  • Mean cell volume (MCV). The average volume of a red cell. This is a calculated value derived from the hematocrit and red cell count. Normal range is 86 - 98 femtoliters.
  • Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH). The average amount of hemoglobin in the average red cell. This is a calculated value derived from the measurement of hemoglobin and the red cell count. Normal range is 27 - 32 picograms.
  • Mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red cells. This is a calculated volume derived from the hemoglobin measurement and the hematocrit. Normal range is 32 - 36%.
  • Red cell distribution width (RDW). A measurement of the variability of red cell size. Higher numbers indicate greater variation in size. Normal range is 11 - 15.
  • Platelet count. The number of platelets in a volume blood. Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting. Normal range varies slightly between laboratories but is in the range of 150,000 - 400,000 per cubic millimeter (150 - 400 x 10^9 per liter).


Also: CBC

Topics Related To Complete Blood Count
A High White CountThe Condition
"...The white blood cell count is done routinely as part of a complete blood count and further studies are usually needed if abnormalities are discovered through this test..."

Aminoguanidine

As A Treatment
"...Semi-monthly CBC and chemistry blood tests should be considered in order to protect against any unknown toxicities..."

CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test

As A Treatment
"The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a very common test that used to be ordered on every person during his or her yearly physical..."

Cirrhosis of the Liver

The Condition
"...Tests can reveal liver problems including ... Anemia (detected on a CBC)..."

Diarrhea

The Condition
"...A complete blood count should be obtained to look for evidence of anemia or an abnormal white blood cell count..."

Ehrlichiosis

The Condition
"...Diagnosis & Tests A CBC shows decreased white blood cells (leukopenia), decreased platelets (thrombocytopenia); a granulocyte stain shows clumps of bacteria inside white blood cells; the platelet count shows decreased..."

Enlarged Spleen

The Condition
"...Blood tests such as a CBC Ultrasound Abdominal film or CT scan Bone marrow biopsy Other tests to check for underlying disorders..."

Female Hair Loss

Recommendation Test Iron Stores (Ferritin)
"...Laboratory evidence of such a deficiency may show up on a complete blood count, serum iron or serum ferritin..."

Heavy Metal Toxicity

The Condition
"...Arsenic Useful lab tests include Urinalysis (Oliguria, Hematuria, Hemoglobinuria); Complete Blood Count and Peripheral Smear (Macrocytic Anemia); Tissue Exam (reveals arsenic deposits - urine, nails, hair) and Serum Arsenic levels..."

Hives

The Condition
"...For chronic urticaria, lab work should include CBC, ESR, UA, histamine levels and dental/sinus examinations to rule out hidden pathology..."

Infectious Mononucleosis - Mono

The Condition
"...Other tests your doctor might order include a complete blood count (CBC) to see if your blood platelet count is lower than normal and if lymphocytes are abnormal, and a chemistry panel to see if liver enzymes are abnormal..."

Low White Count

The Condition
"...The white blood cell count is performed routinely as part of a complete blood count..."

Melanoma

The Condition
"...Diagnosis & Tests The systemic evaluation for melanoma metastases involves ... Complete Blood Count (CBC)..."

Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods)

The Condition
"...Diagnosis & Tests When it has been determined that the cause is not organic (a physical condition), laboratory testing (bleeding time, complete blood count, and thyroid function) should be done, and any abnormalities corrected..."

Morning Sickness

The Condition
"...Diagnosis & Tests Diagnostic tests that may be performed include blood tests (including CBC and blood chemistry) and urine analysis for ketones and to determine severity of dehydration..."

Multiple Myeloma

The Condition
"..... A Complete Blood Count (CBC)..."

Need For Routine Preventative Health Measures

The Condition
"...For those who already have unresolved health issues, further testing may be required, such as prostate-specific antigen, complete blood count, thyroid, colon cancer, or H..."

Neutropenia

The Condition
"...Diagnosis & Tests In a complete blood count (CBC) report, neutrophils may be referred to as polymorphonuclear cells (polys) or neutrophils..."

Neutrophilia

The Condition
"...Neutrophils in the CNP circulate with other blood cells and are measured in the CBC..."

Orbital Cellulitis

The Condition
"...as a result of swollen eyelid Bulging eyes (forward displacement of the eye) General malaise In infants or children: appearing acutely ill or toxic Diagnosis & Tests Tests commonly include ... Complete blood count..."

Sarcoidosis

The Condition
"...Diagnosis & Tests Types of testing for sarcoidosis include: CBC; chem-7 or chem-20; ACE levels; chest X-ray; lymph node biopsy; skin lesion biopsy; bronchoscopy; open lung biopsy; gallium scan; nerve biopsy..."

Trichinosis

The Condition
"...Diagnosis & Tests Common tests ... CBC (increased eosinophils)..."

Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)

The Condition
"...Diagnosis & Tests Skin tests, blood tests, and sputum cultures can be used for the diagnosis ... CBC with differential shows elevated eosinophils..."

West Nile Virus

The Condition
"...Diagnostic tests that may be used if West Nile virus is suspected include the following ... CBC -- may show a normal or elevated white blood cell (WBC) count..."





Last updated: May 10, 2007


Home | Start The Analyst | FAQ | Search
Design by: RoyalWebHosting.com