Lab guide
Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count, often called a CBC, is a common blood test that measures several parts of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.
Key points
- A CBC can help clinicians look for patterns related to anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding, and other health concerns.
- CBC results are interpreted together with symptoms, exam findings, medicines, history, and sometimes additional tests.
- This test alone cannot diagnose a specific condition.
PrimeHealth Diagram System
CBC result map
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What it measures
A CBC measures the number and characteristics of major blood cell groups. These include red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that help the body respond to infection or inflammation, and platelets that help with clotting.
Why it may be ordered
A clinician may order a CBC during routine care, when checking symptoms such as tiredness or fever, before procedures, during pregnancy care, or to monitor known health conditions and treatments.
How to think about abnormal results
A result outside a reference range may be associated with many different causes. For example, low hemoglobin may be associated with anemia, but the cause still needs clinical context and sometimes additional testing.
Related PrimeHealth topics
Do not use a CBC result by itself to diagnose or treat a condition. Discuss abnormal results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical disclaimer
PrimeHealth Library provides general health education only. It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Symptoms, lab results, and conditions may be associated with many different causes.
This test alone cannot diagnose any condition. Seek urgent care if you have severe symptoms, chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke-like symptoms, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or any medical emergency.