Complete Blood Count (CBC): Results Breakdown Explained

The complete blood count, or CBC, is one of the most commonly requested tests and provides information on the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Here are the average ranges for different types of blood counts.

Please be aware that this does necessary apply to all people, especially if you take medication, have any medical conditions, or have any genetic or metabolic conditions.

Red Blood Cells

Red blood count (RBC)

4.0 to 5.4 million cells per mcL (for females or those taking estrogen) or 4.5 to 6.1 million cells per mcL (for males or those taking testosterone)

Hemoglobin (Hb)

11.5 to 15.5 g/dL (for females or those taking estrogen) or 13 to 17 g/dL (for males or those taking testosterone)

Hematocrit (Hct)

36% to 48% (for females or those taking estrogen) or 40% to 55% (for males or those taking testosterone)

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

80 to 100 fL (femtoliters)

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)

27 to 31 pg (picograms) per cell

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)

32 to 36 g/dL (grams per deciliter)

Red cell distribution width (RDW)

12% to 15%

Platelets

Platelet count

150,000 to 400,000 cells per mcL (150 to 400 k/mcL)

Mean platelet volume (MPV)

7.0 fL to 9.0 fL

White Blood Cell Counts and Differentials

White blood cell count (WBC)

4,000 to 10,000 cells per mcL (4.0 to 10 k/mcL)

Neutrophils

2,500 to 7,000 per mcL (2.5 to 7.0 k/mcL)

Monocytes

200 to 800 per mcL (0.2 to 0.8 k/mcL)

Lymphocytes

1,000 to 4,800 per mcL (1.0 to 4.8 k/mcL)

Eosinophils

Less than 500 per mcL (0.5 k/mcL)

Basophils

Less than 300 per mcL (0.3 k/mcL)

Immature granulocytes

Less than 100 mcL (0.1 k/mcL)

Nucleated red blood cells (nRBC)

Less than 10 mcL (0.01 k/mcL)

This would be a normal test to order for routine blood tests. Specifically, it will give your doctor information on your red blood cell levels (low red blood cell levels - low hemoglobin - is anemia), your platelets (which are used in clotting), and your white blood cells (which are part of your immune system and help fight infection and inflammation).

You do not need to be fasting for this blood test. There are no special requirements. It can be taken like any normal blood test.

Remember to press hard for a good few minutes after removing the needle, and keep your elbow straight to prevent a nasty bruise!