A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures various components of your blood, including red blood cells. A low red blood cell count, specifically below the normal range, can indicate anemia. For men, a normal red blood cell count is 5 to 6 million cells per microliter (cells/mcL), while for women, it's 4 to 5 million cells/mcL.
Other CBC components that can indicate anemia include:
- Hemoglobin: This is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low hemoglobin levels can also point to anemia. For adult males, a normal hemoglobin level is above 13.6 g/dL, and for adult females, it's above 12.0 g/dL.
- Hematocrit: This measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. A low hematocrit level can indicate anemia. For men, a normal hematocrit is above 40%, and for women, it's above 36%.
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): This measure helps determine the average size of your red blood cells. An MCV outside the normal range can be a sign of anemia.
It's important to note that a low CBC value doesn't always mean you have anemia. Other factors can also contribute to abnormal results, such as dehydration or recent blood loss. A doctor will review your CBC results along with your medical history and symptoms to determine if you have anemia and, if so, what type.
