Labcorp

CBC Blood Test: Complete Blood Count Results Explained

26 biomarkers Sample: Blood Peer-reviewed

Biomarkers in this category

26 biomarkers · optimal ranges shown

Hemoglobin
Whole Blood

Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, measured on CBC.

Optimal range 13 – 17.7 g/dL Learn more
Mean RBC Iron

Mean RBC Iron is a specialized marker that can be found on some Complete Blood Count (CBC) panels. This marker measures the average amount of iron contained within the red blood cells (RBCs) in a given sample of blood. Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Understanding the average iron content in red blood cells helps doctors assess whether there's an appropriate amount of iron available for hemoglobin production, which is essential for effective oxygen transport. If the Mean RBC Iron levels are unusually high or low, it might indicate an iron disorder, such as iron deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis, a condition where too much iron builds up in the body. These insights are particularly useful in diagnosing and managing conditions related to iron metabolism and anemia, thereby guiding treatment decisions to ensure the proper management of these conditions.

Optimal range 27 – 33 pg Learn more
Mean RBC Iron Concentration

Mean RBC Iron Concentration on a Complete Blood Count (CBC) panel refers to the average concentration of iron found within the red blood cells (RBCs) circulating in your bloodstream. This measurement, often reported as part of a broader test called "Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration" (MCHC), provides critical insights into how much hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells, is present relative to the size of these cells. A normal range of MCHC suggests that your red blood cells have a healthy amount of hemoglobin, which is essential for efficient oxygen transport throughout the body. On the other hand, deviations from the normal range can indicate various conditions: a lower than average MCHC may suggest hypochromic anemia, where the red blood cells contain less hemoglobin and are paler than usual, often due to iron deficiency. Conversely, a higher MCHC can indicate hyperchromic cells, which might occur in different scenarios, such as spherocytosis or when there is an abnormally high concentration of hemoglobin within the cells. Understanding this marker can help diagnose and monitor conditions related to red blood cell function and iron metabolism, guiding appropriate treatment strategies.

Optimal range 32 – 36 g/dL Learn more
Mean RBC Volume

The marker Mean RBC Volume refers to the average volume of red blood cells (RBCs) in your blood, and it is expressed in femtoliters (fL). This measurement is also known as Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV). It's an important diagnostic tool because it helps in the assessment of various types of anemia and other health conditions. A normal MCV falls within a specific range, but variations can indicate different issues: a higher MCV might suggest macrocytic anemia, often due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, whereas a lower MCV could indicate microcytic anemia, commonly due to iron deficiency. By measuring how big or small your red blood cells are on average, healthcare providers can gain insights into your overall health, particularly concerning your blood's ability to carry oxygen and nutrients. If your MCV is outside the normal range, it prompts further investigation to determine the underlying cause, which might involve looking at other markers on the CBC or additional tests.

Optimal range 80 – 100 fl Learn more
MXD #
Serum

Monocytes, eosinophils and basophils

Optimal range 0 – 0.9 x10E3/uL Learn more
MXD %
Blood

Mixed white blood cells percentage in blood

Optimal range 0 – 12 % Learn more
RBC Distribution Width

The RBC Distribution Width (RDW) is a crucial parameter for understanding the variation in size among your red blood cells (RBCs). When a Complete Blood Count (CBC) is performed, RDW is measured to assess how much the sizes of red blood cells differ from each other in the sample. It's expressed as a percentage and provides insight into the range of sizes: a higher RDW value indicates a greater variation in size, while a lower value suggests more uniformity. Typically, red blood cells should be fairly uniform in size; deviations can indicate several types of medical conditions. For instance, a high RDW could suggest anemia caused by a deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, or folate. It can also indicate other health issues such as chronic inflammation or liver disease. RDW is often reviewed in conjunction with other CBC parameters, like the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which measures the average size of the red blood cells. Together, these measurements help doctors diagnose the type of anemia or other underlying conditions, providing a fuller picture of a patient’s health. Understanding RDW can therefore be a vital component in diagnosing and monitoring the progress of treatment for various medical conditions.

Optimal range 11 – 15 % Learn more