A complete blood count is a testing method performed on blood samples. It is used to analyze the presence of an infection, various blood diseases, leukemia, or anemia in the body. It is frequently preferred due to its advantages such as being a very practical and easy-to-apply test and getting results quickly. Complete blood count is also known as hemogram. This article will include all information about complete blood count and blood test results.
Complete Blood Count
Complete blood count (BCS) is a blood test performed to obtain information about the health status of the blood. This test measures the amount, size and shape of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets). It also evaluates the levels of hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein), hematocrit (proportion of red blood cells in the blood), and other blood components.
A complete blood count is used to diagnose and monitor many health conditions. Complete blood count values indicate whether each blood component is within normal ranges. Complete blood count results can be listed as follows:
• Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes/RBC): Red blood cells (RBC) are cells that carry oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide. Complete blood count results evaluate the number of red blood cells (erythrocyte count), size (erythrocyte volume), and shape (erythrocyte distribution width). A low red blood cell count (anemia) or abnormal red blood cell size/shape can be a symptom of many health problems.
• White Blood Cells (Leukocytes/White Blood Cells/WBC): White blood cells (wbc) are cells that fight infections and are part of the immune system. Complete blood count results evaluate the number of white blood cells (leukocyte count) and their type (leukocyte differential). A high white blood cell count can be a sign of infection or inflammation.
• Platelets: Platelets are cell particles that play an important role in the blood clotting process. Complete blood count results evaluate platelet count (platelet count). A low platelet count may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Hemoglobin (HGB): Hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Complete blood count results evaluate the hemoglobin level. Low hemoglobin levels may be a sign of anemia or another health problem.
• Hematocrit (HCT): Hematocrit shows the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. TKS (Complete blood count) results evaluate the hematocrit level. Low hematocrit levels may be a sign of anemia or another health problem.
Normal ranges for these values may vary depending on the laboratory’s reference ranges and the person’s age, gender, and health status. Complete blood count results should be evaluated and interpreted by your doctor.
Complete Blood Count Values
Complete blood count results evaluate the number, size and shape of a person’s blood cells. Complete blood count normal values and normal ranges can be listed as follows:
• Red Blood Cells (Erythrocyte, RBC):
– In men: 4.52-5.90 million/µL [2]
– In women: 4.10-5.10 million/µL [2]
• Hemoglobin (HGB):
– In men: 14.0-17.5 g/dL [2]
– In women: 12.3-15.3 g/dL [2]
• Hematocrit (HCT):
– For men: 42-50 [2]
– For women: 36-45 [2]
• White Blood Cells (Leukocyte, WBC):
– 4.4 -11.3 thousand/µL [2]
• Platelets:
– 172-450 thousand/µL [2]
Complete blood count results should be evaluated and interpreted by the doctor.
Is a Complete Blood Count Done on an Empty Stomach?
A complete blood count is usually done on an empty stomach. Doing it on an empty stomach makes the results more reliable and accurate. A complete blood count performed on an empty stomach reduces the likelihood that food and drink will affect the results.
When performing a complete blood count on an empty stomach, a fasting period of at least 8 hours is generally recommended. During this period, only drinking water is allowed. However, your doctor or healthcare professional may give you various specific instructions. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow your doctor’s instructions before having a complete blood count.
In addition, in some cases, an urgent complete blood count may be required and may not be done on an empty stomach. Your doctor will give you the most appropriate instructions based on your situation and needs.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Complete Blood Count?
Complete blood count results are usually available within a few hours. However, depending on the laboratory’s busyness, the policies of the center where the test will be performed, and other factors, results may vary from a few hours to a few days. Results for a routine complete blood count are usually available within a few hours, while results may be available more quickly in emergency situations. To learn the results, you can contact your health center or follow the times determined by the laboratory.
How is a Complete Blood Count Done?
A complete blood count is done in a laboratory setting. The answer to the question of how to perform a complete blood count can be listed as follows:
1. Taking a blood sample: For a complete blood count, a blood sample is taken by opening a vein. For example, a needle is inserted into a vein on the inside of your arm and blood is collected through a blood tube. Alternatively, a drop of blood can be taken from the tip of your finger.
2. Sending the blood sample to the laboratory: The blood sample is sent to the laboratory and prepared for analysis. The sample is examined by laboratory technicians or automated analyzers.
3. Counting and analyzing cells: The blood sample is placed in an automatic blood counting device. This device counts and analyzes cells by rotating the tube containing the blood sample and separating the cells with vibrations. The device measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets and various other parameters.
4. Evaluation of the results: The blood count device creates a report with the measured cell counts and other parameters. This report is evaluated by your doctor or healthcare professional. The results are usually compared with normal value ranges and if any abnormalities are detected, appropriate treatment or follow-up actions are taken.
Complete Blood Count High
An elevated complete blood count means that certain blood parameters have higher than normal values. Some common blood parameters that show elevation in complete blood count include:
• Red Blood Cell Count (Erythrocyte Count): Higher than normal erythrocyte count is called polycythemia and means increased oxygen carrying capacity in the body. Polycythemia can be seen in people living at high altitudes, those with chronic lung disease, some blood diseases, kidney diseases and the presence of tumors.
• Hemoglobin (Hb) Level: Hemoglobin is a protein molecule found in red blood cells that carries oxygen. High hemoglobin levels can be seen in conditions such as polycythemia, dehydration, kidney disease or some lung diseases. Polycythemia vera can cause hemoglobin levels to increase and therefore hemoglobin elevation.
• Hematocrit (HCT) Level: Hematocrit refers to the ratio of red blood cells to total blood volume. High hematocrit levels can be seen in conditions such as polycythemia, dehydration or certain lung diseases, living at high altitudes.
• White Blood Cell Count (Leukocyte Count): A higher than normal leukocyte count is called leukocytosis and can be seen in conditions such as infection, allergic reactions, cancer, medications, inflammation, stress or some blood diseases.
• Platelet Count: A higher than normal platelet count is called thrombocytosis and can be seen in conditions such as blood clotting disorders, cancer, anemia, infections or some blood diseases.
Any elevated blood value should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the underlying cause and plan appropriate treatment. Therefore, when elevated complete blood count results are detected, it is important to consult your doctor.
