Overview A complete blood count CBC is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia.
A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood Platelets, which help with blood clotting. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.
Show references Complete blood count. Lab Tests Online. Accessed Aug. CBC with differential, blood. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Understanding blood counts. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Complete blood count CBC About. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Male: 4. Male: Your lab report will tell you the normal value range for your age and gender.
Measuring changes in your blood cell levels can help your doctor evaluate your overall health and detect disorders. The test measures the three basic types of blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body and remove carbon dioxide. A CBC measures two components of your red blood cells:. Low levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit are often signs of anemia , a condition that occurs when blood is deficient in iron. White blood cells help your body fight infection.
A CBC measures the number and types of white blood cells in your body. Any abnormal increases or decreases in the number or types of white blood cells could be a sign of infection, inflammation, or cancer. Platelets help your blood clot and control bleeding. Any changes in platelet levels can put you at risk for excessive bleeding and can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Your doctor may order a CBC as part of a routine checkup or if you have unexplained symptoms such as bleeding or bruising.
A CBC can help your doctor do the following. You can typically eat and drink normally before a CBC. However, your doctor may require that you fast for a specific amount of time before the test. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. During a CBC, a lab technician will draw blood from a vein, typically from the inside of your elbow or from the back of your hand. The test will take only a few minutes. The technician:. A blood test can be slightly uncomfortable.
When the needle punctures your skin, you might feel a prick or pinching sensation. Some people also feel faint or light-headed when they see blood. These results can give your health care provider important information about your overall health and risk for certain diseases. A complete blood count is a commonly performed blood test that is often included as part of a routine checkup.
Complete blood counts can be used to help detect a variety of disorders including infections, anemia , diseases of the immune system, and blood cancers. Your health care provider may have ordered a complete blood count as part of your checkup or to monitor your overall health. In addition, the test may be used to:. A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle.
After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. You don't need any special preparations for a complete blood count. If your health care provider has also ordered other blood tests, you may need to fast not eat or drink for several hours before the test.
Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow. There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. A CBC counts the cells and measures the levels of different substances in your blood.
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