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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/bloodcounttests.html

Blood Count Tests

Also called: CBC, Complete Blood Count, Hematologic Tests
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Summary

Your blood contains red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. Blood count tests measure the number and types of cells in your blood. This helps doctors check on your overall health. The tests can also help to diagnose diseases and conditions such as anemia, infections, clotting problems, blood cancers, and immune system disorders.

Specific types include tests for:

  • RBC - the numbers, size, and types of RBC in the blood
  • WBC - the numbers and types of WBC in the blood
  • Platelets - the numbers and size of the platelets
  • Hemoglobin - an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
  • Hematocrit - how much space red blood cells take up in your blood
  • Reticulocyte count - how many young red blood cells are in your blood
  • Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) - the average size of your red blood cells

The complete blood count (CBC) includes most or all of these. The CBC is one of the most common blood tests.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.