The most common blood test — and every number it measures.
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a standard test that measures the different cells circulating in your blood. It provides a snapshot of your overall health and helps us identify issues like infection, anemia, or inflammation. We draw a small vial of blood from your arm to analyze these levels in our laboratory.
The CBC looks at red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. We check your hemoglobin, a protein in these cells, to see how well they are transporting that oxygen. If these numbers are low, you may have anemia, which often causes fatigue or weakness.
Your white blood cells are the primary components of your immune system. A high count often indicates your body is actively fighting an infection or experiencing significant stress. Conversely, a low count can signal that your immune system needs closer monitoring.
We measure platelets to understand how effectively your blood forms clots. These small cell fragments act as the body’s first responders to seal wounds and stop bleeding. If your level is too low, you might bruise easily or struggle to stop bleeding from minor cuts.
Labs set a normal reference range for these cells, but these ranges vary slightly between hospitals. A single number outside of the range does not always indicate a serious problem, as hydration or minor illnesses can cause fluctuations. Your doctor will interpret these results alongside your symptoms to decide if any follow-up is necessary.