
A complete blood count or CBC is a blood test that measures many different parts and features of your blood, including:
A complete blood count may also include measurements of chemicals and other substances in your blood. These results can give your health care provider important information about your overall health and risk for certain diseases.
Other names for a complete blood count: CBC, full blood count, blood cell count
Your health care provider may have ordered a complete blood count as part of your checkup or to monitor your overall health. In addition, the test may be used to:
A CBC counts the cells and measures the levels of different substances in your blood. There are many reasons your levels may fall outside the normal range. For instance:
If any of your levels are abnormal, it does not necessarily indicate a medical problem needing treatment. Diet, activity level, medications, a women's menstrual cycle, and other considerations can affect the results. Talk to your health care provider to learn what your results mean.