Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A comprehensive test that evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to assess overall health and detect various conditions.
Purpose
The CBC provides a comprehensive overview of your blood cell health. It helps diagnose anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorders, and blood cancers. It's one of the most commonly ordered blood tests and serves as an excellent baseline health assessment.
When to Order
Recommended as part of routine health checkups, when experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or infection, before surgery, and to monitor various health conditions or treatments.
Preparation Instructions
No fasting is required for a CBC. Stay well-hydrated before the test. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking, as some can affect results.
Included Markers
White Blood Cell Count
10^9/L
The total number of white blood cells in your blood.
Red Blood Cell Count
10^12/L
The total number of red blood cells per volume of blood.
Haemoglobin
g/L
The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
Haematocrit
%
Haematocrit (also written HCT or PCV — Packed Cell Volume) is the percentage of whole blood volume made up of red blood cells. It is reported automatically as part of every Full Blood Count (FBC) and is one of the three core red cell parameters alongside haemoglobin and red blood cell count.
Platelets
10^9/L
Cell fragments essential for blood clotting.
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
fL
The average size of red blood cells.
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin)
pg
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin) measures the average amount of haemoglobin inside a single red blood cell, expressed in picograms (pg). It is calculated automatically as part of a Full Blood Count (FBC) by dividing total haemoglobin by the red blood cell count. MCH works alongside MCV and MCHC to characterise the size and haemoglobin content of red blood cells, which is essential for diagnosing the type of anaemia present.
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration)
g/L
The average concentration of hemoglobin inside red blood cells.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
%
Measures the variation in size of red blood cells.
MPV (Mean Platelet Volume)
fL
The average size of platelets in the blood.
Neutrophils (count and %)
10^9/L
The most abundant type of white blood cell, which fights bacterial infections.
Lymphocytes (count and %)
10^9/L
White blood cells that play a central role in immune responses.
Monocytes (count and %)
10^9/L
A type of white blood cell that can develop into macrophages.
Eosinophils (count and %)
10^9/L
A type of white blood cell involved in allergic responses and parasite defense.
Basophils (count and %)
10^9/L
A type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a low hemoglobin level mean?
What causes elevated white blood cell count?
How does MCV help diagnose anemia type?
Do I need to fast for a CBC?
Quick Facts
- Markers:15
- Fasting:Not required
Related Conditions
Track Your Complete Blood Count (CBC) Results
Upload your Complete Blood Count (CBC) results to BloodTrack and monitor all 15 markers over time. Compare results across tests and spot trends early.