CBC

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	Basophil (close-up)	Formed elements of blood
Malaria, microscopic view of cellular parasites	Malaria, photomicrograph of cellular parasites	Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells	Red blood cells, elliptocytosis
Red blood cells, multiple sickle cells	Red blood cells, normal	Red blood cells, sickle and pappenheimer	Red blood cells, sickle cell
Red blood cells, spherocytosis	Red blood cells, target cells	Red blood cells, tear-drop shape

A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:

• The number of red blood cells (RBCs)
• The number of white blood cells (WBCs)
• The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood
• The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells (hematocrit)

The CBC test also provides information about the following measurements:

• Average red blood cell size (MCV)
• Hemoglobin amount per red blood cell (MCH)
• The amount of hemoglobin relative to the size of the cell (hemoglobin concentration) per red blood cell (MCHC)

The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.

See also:

• Red blood cell (RBC) count
• White blood cell (WBC) count
• RBC indices

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Complete blood count

Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

There is no special preparation needed.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, though most people feel only a prick or a stinging sensation. Afterward there may be some throbbing or bruising.

The CBC test may be performed under many different conditions and to assess many different symptoms or diseases. The results can reflect problems with fluid volume (such as dehydration) or loss of blood.

The test can reveal problems with RBC production and destruction, or help diagnose infection, allergies, and problems with blood clotting.

MCV, MCH, and MCHC values reflect the size and hemoglobin concentration of individual cells, and are useful in diagnosing different types of anemia.

Review Date: 03/04/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine (2/9/2010).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).