Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is one of the most frequently ordered blood tests and is a fundamental part of preventive healthcare. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the cells that circulate in your bloodstream, offering valuable insight into your overall health and helping detect a wide range of medical conditions.

Your blood contains three primary types of cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Each one with a vital role in keeping your body functioning properly. The CBC measures the number, size, and characteristics of these cells, giving your healthcare provider important information about your immune system, oxygen-carrying capacity, blood clotting, and overall health.

Whether you're having a routine wellness exam, experiencing symptoms such as fatigue or fever, or monitoring an existing medical condition, a CBC is often one of the first tests recommended because it provides a broad picture of your health.

What Does This Test Measure?

The CBC evaluates several important components of your blood.

Red Blood Cells (RBC)

Red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs to tissues throughout your body and carry carbon dioxide back to your lungs to be exhaled.

Abnormal red blood cell counts may indicate:

Anemia
Blood loss
Dehydration
Nutritional deficiencies
Bone marrow disorders
Chronic medical conditions
Hemoglobin (Hgb)

Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein found inside red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Low hemoglobin levels may contribute to symptoms such as:

Fatigue
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Pale skin

High levels may occur with dehydration, smoking, or certain medical conditions.

Hematocrit (Hct)

Hematocrit measures the percentage of your blood that is made up of red blood cells.

This value helps your healthcare provider evaluate:

Hydration status
Anemia
Blood disorders
Overall oxygen-carrying capacity
White Blood Cells (WBC)

White blood cells are a critical part of your immune system and help your body fight infections and respond to inflammation.

Abnormal white blood cell counts may suggest:

Bacterial or viral infections
Inflammation
Allergic reactions
Immune system disorders
Bone marrow disorders
Certain blood cancers
Platelets

Platelets help your blood clot properly after an injury, preventing excessive bleeding.

Abnormal platelet counts may increase the risk of:

Easy bruising
Excessive bleeding
Blood clots
Bone marrow disorders
Red Blood Cell Indices

The CBC also evaluates the size and characteristics of your red blood cells, including measurements such as:

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

These measurements help your healthcare provider determine the type and possible cause of anemia or other blood disorders.

Who Should Consider This Test?

A Complete Blood Count may be recommended for:

Adults during annual wellness exams
Individuals experiencing persistent fatigue or weakness
People with unexplained fever or frequent infections
Individuals with unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding
Patients with chronic medical conditions
Individuals undergoing surgery or medical procedures
People receiving medications that may affect blood cell production
Anyone seeking a comprehensive evaluation of their overall health

Why Is It Important?

Useful for evaluating anemia, infection, inflammation, immune function, and other blood disorders.

What's Included

Common Questions