Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential

What is Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential?

The CBC-differential test is a great way to determine any abnormalities in the body. It measures the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelets. 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 – 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. Few illnesses cause, as well, an increase in the levels of white blood cells, such as some cancers.

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

Platelets – These are also called thrombocytes and needed for the proper clotting of the blood in case of injury.

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 micrometer3
• MCH: 27.5-33.2 pg
• MCHC: 33.4-35.5 g/Dl
• Platelet Count: 150-450 x 103/microliter

Where can I get a CBC test near me?

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

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: May 24, 2019