A Complete Blood Count (CBC) provides important information about your blood's composition. Normal ranges for a CBC vary slightly based on age, sex, and other factors, but generally fall within these parameters, as provided:
Normal Ranges for a Complete Blood Count (CBC)
| Component | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count | 3.93 to 5.69 million cells per cubic millimeter (million/mm3) |
| Hemoglobin (Hgb, Hb) | 12.6 to 17.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for males; 12.0 to 16 g/dL for females |
| Hematocrit (HCT) | 38% to 47.7% |
| White Blood Cell (WBC) Count | 3,300 to 8,700 cells per cubic millimeter (thousand/mm3) |
Understanding the Components:
-
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Measures the number of red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
- Example: A result of 4.5 million/mm3 falls within the normal range for RBC count.
-
Hemoglobin (Hgb, Hb): Measures the amount of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Example: A male with an Hgb of 15 g/dL and a female with 13 g/dL both have levels within the normal range.
-
Hematocrit (HCT): Represents the proportion of your blood that is made up of red blood cells.
- Example: A HCT of 42% is considered within the typical range.
-
White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Measures the number of white blood cells, which are important for fighting off infections.
- Example: A WBC count of 6,000 cells/mm3 indicates a normal range.
Key Considerations:
- Variations: Normal ranges can have slight variations based on the laboratory performing the test and individual factors. Always consult with your healthcare provider to interpret your specific results.
- Out of Range Results: If your CBC results fall outside of these ranges, it does not necessarily mean you have a medical condition. Your doctor will consider all your results together with your health history and symptoms.
- Why CBC is Important: CBC tests help healthcare professionals assess overall health, diagnose certain conditions, and monitor treatment.
- When to Test: A CBC is usually ordered as part of a routine checkup or when there are symptoms of potential blood or other health issues.
In Summary:
The normal ranges for a CBC, based on provided reference, include the following:
- RBC: 3.93 to 5.69 million/mm3
- Hgb: 12.6 to 17.5 g/dL for males; 12.0 to 16 g/dL for females
- HCT: 38% to 47.7%
- WBC: 3,300 to 8,700 cells/mm3
