Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential

What is Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential?

The CBC-differential lab test is a great way to determine any abnormalities in the body and measures the following:

• White Blood Cell Count (WBC count) - This measures the number of white blood cells in your blood sample
• Red Blood Cell Count (RBC count) - This test measures the number of red blood cells present in your blood sample
• Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) - This is a separate but similar test to the RBC count that measures the variation in the size of red blood cells in the blood
• Hematocrit (HCT) - This is the measurement of what proportion of your blood is made up of red blood cells
• Hemoglobin (HGB) - This measures the amount of hemoglobin by assessing the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration present in your blood sample
• Platelets - The test measures the number of platelets and the mean platelet volume (MPV) in your blood sample
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) - This test is a standard measurement of size and volume of the blood

It also evaluates the types of white blood cells present and the physical characteristics (such as size) of red blood cells. It evaluates the following indicators:

White Blood cells – White blood cells are the cornerstone of the immune system. There are five types of white blood cells that are neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes. They are found in the body at certain concentrations to make sure everything is working as it should be. Each type is responsible for different intruders. For example, high levels of neutrophils mean that the body is fighting a bacterial infection while high levels of lymphocytes indicate the presence of a viral infection. Some medical conditions, such as cancer, cause the number of white blood cells present in the blood to rise.

Red Blood cells – These cells, also called erythrocytes, are made by the bone marrow and are responsible for how the blood carries oxygen. Abnormal levels of red blood cells can be due to vitamin B 12, folate or iron deficiencies.

Platelets – These cells, also called thrombocytes, are produced in the bone marrow and are necessary for healthy blood clotting in case of injury. Easy bruising can indicate low platelet levels in the blood.

Why take a CBC test?

It is the best and first step required to assess your overall health status, screen or diagnose many diseases, as well as monitor the effectiveness of a given treatment. The CBC with differential can show the presence of anemia, infections, inflammations, cancer and bleeding disorders. It should be part of your yearly routine, if you notice any symptoms related to blood cells.

Ordering the CBC with differential may help detect the early stages of an illness, allowing the patient and their healthcare provider to treat the condition and manage it well. Early detection of any bodily problems is of major importance as it prevents the development of a disease and its progression towards more advanced stages. It is always easier to treat a disease at its early stages. Having a CBC with differential is the most basic and simple test that needs to be done yearly; but that has uncountable benefits.

What your CBC test results mean?

Understanding your results is essential to understand how your body is functioning. Many ailments can lead to higher or lower than normal ranges of blood cells. Many of these illnesses might not need any special treatment, while others do. Adults and children have different normal ranges. This test is made of numerous components each with its own reference range. These are the values associated with healthy adults:

• White Blood cells count: 4,500-11,000 white blood cells per microliter
• Absolute Neutrophil count: Absolute count (per microliter) is 1800-7800
• Absolute Lymphocyte count: Absolute count (per microliter) is 1000-4800
• Absolute Monocyte count: Absolute count (per microliter) is 0-800
• Absolute eosinophil count: Absolute count (per microliter) is 0-450
• Absolute basophil count: Absolute count (per microliter) is 0-200
• Red Blood Cell Count: For Men, it is 4.5-5.9 x 106/microliter and for Women, it is 4.1-5.1 x 106 microliter
• Hemoglobin: For Men: 14-17.5 g/dL and for Women: 12.3-15.3 g/dL
• Hematocrit: For Men: 41.5-50.4% and for Women: 36.9-44.6%
• MCV: 80-96 fL
• MCH: 27.5-33.2 pg
• MCHC: 33.4-35.5 g/Dl
• Platelet Count: 150-450 x 103/microliter

Be sure to work with and follow all medical advice from your healthcare team following your CBC test.

Where can I get a CBC test done near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Mar 12, 2020