A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a fundamental diagnostic tool used in almost all medical evaluations. It gives insights into your immune system, oxygen-carrying capacity, and blood clotting ability. It’s often the first step in identifying conditions like infections, anemia, and even some cancers.
🔍 What Does a CBC Test Include?
A CBC test measures the following primary components:
- White Blood Cells (WBC): Fights infection
- Red Blood Cells (RBC): Carry oxygen
- Hemoglobin (Hb): Oxygen-carrying protein in RBCs
- Hematocrit (HCT): Proportion of RBCs in blood
- Platelets: Helps in blood clotting
- MCV, MCH, MCHC: Measures size and content of RBCs
✅ White Blood Cells (WBC)
WBCs are crucial for immunity. A high count suggests an active infection or inflammation, while a low count can indicate immune suppression.
| Component | Normal Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| WBC Count | 4,000–11,000 cells/mm³ | Fights infection |
Low WBC (<4,000): Viral infections, chemotherapy, autoimmune disease
✅ Red Blood Cells (RBC)
| Component | Normal Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| RBC Count | M: 4.7–6.1 / F: 4.2–5.4 million/mm³ | Oxygen transport |
Low RBC = anemia; High RBC = dehydration, polycythemia.
✅ Hemoglobin (Hb)
| Component | Normal Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin | M: 13–18 / F: 12–16 g/dL | Carries oxygen |
Used to diagnose various types of anemia and monitor blood loss.
✅ Hematocrit (HCT)
| Component | Normal Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hematocrit | M: 40–54% / F: 36–48% | Ratio of RBCs in blood |
Closely parallels hemoglobin and helps assess hydration and anemia.
✅ Platelets
| Component | Normal Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Platelet Count | 150,000–400,000 /mm³ | Blood clotting |
Critical in assessing bleeding disorders and diseases like dengue or bone marrow failure.
📊 RBC Indices
- MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): 80–100 fL — indicates RBC size
- MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin): 27–33 pg — hemoglobin per RBC
- MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration): 32–36% — concentration of hemoglobin
These are useful in identifying types of anemia (microcytic, macrocytic, hypochromic, etc.).
📋 Sample Summary Table
| Parameter | Normal Range | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| WBC | 4,000–11,000 /mm³ | Immune response |
| RBC | 4.2–6 million /mm³ | Oxygen transport |
| Hemoglobin | 13–18 / 12–16 g/dL | Anemia check |
| Hematocrit | 40–54% / 36–48% | RBC ratio |
| Platelets | 150k–400k /mm³ | Bleeding/clotting |
⚠️ When Should You Be Concerned?
- Hemoglobin < 10 g/dL: Likely anemia
- WBC > 12,000 or < 3,000: Risk of infection or immune suppression
- Platelets < 100,000: Possible bleeding risk
If you have multiple abnormal values, consult your physician. Further investigations may include iron studies, B12/folate levels, or bone marrow biopsy.
🏥 Final Advice
CBC is more than a routine blood test — it’s a window into your overall health. Understanding your CBC report empowers you to make informed decisions, track chronic conditions, and identify health risks early.
