Standards and interpretation of a complete blood count

A complete blood count (CBC) is an indispensable tool in medical diagnostics, allowing for an assessment of a person’s health and the detection of possible issues. This test includes the analysis of various parameters, each of which provides valuable insights into the patient's health. Let’s look at the main components of a CBC, their interpretation, and acceptable norms.

The first element is red blood cells, or erythrocytes, which play a key role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. Normal values for men range from 4.0 to 5.5 million cells per microliter, while for women, it’s 3.5–5.0 million cells.

The next important component is hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen and helps deliver it to cells. Normal levels for men are between 130–170 g/L, and for women, they range from 120 to 150 g/L.

Hematocrit shows the proportion of red blood cells in the total blood volume. For men, this level is between 40–50%, and for women, it’s 36–44%.

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are responsible for protecting the body from infections. Normal values for leukocytes range from 4.0 to 10.0 thousand cells per microliter.

Platelets, involved in blood clotting, should be within 150 to 400 thousand cells per microliter.

The color index, which indicates the saturation of hemoglobin in erythrocytes, should be between 0.85 and 1.05.

The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) reflects the size of one erythrocyte, with normal values ranging from 80 to 100 femtoliters. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is usually between 27 and 31 picograms, and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is between 32 and 36 g/dL.

It is essential to consider that the norms may vary depending on the laboratory, research methods, and patient’s condition. Deviations from these values can indicate various diseases, such as anemia, infections, or blood clotting issues. Therefore, consulting a doctor for a precise interpretation of CBC results is always advisable to stay proactive and take care of your health.