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How to Read a Complete Blood Count (CBC): What the Values Mean
What do haemoglobin, white cells, platelets and MCV show? Possible meanings of low and high results and what to keep in mind when reading your CBC.
The complete blood count (CBC) is the most frequently requested blood test. It gives information about red cells, white cells and platelets, and often provides the first clue to anaemia, infection, bleeding tendencies or blood disorders. A value slightly outside the reference range often does not mean illness; results must be interpreted in context by a physician.
| Parameter | What it shows | Approximate adult range* |
|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin | Oxygen-carrying capacity | Women 12–15.5 g/dL; Men 13.5–17.5 g/dL |
| Haematocrit | Share of red cells in blood volume | Women 36–46%; Men 41–53% |
| MCV | Average red cell size | 80–100 fL |
| White cells | Immune cells | 4,000–10,000 /µL |
| Platelets | Clotting cells | 150,000–400,000 /µL |
| RDW | Variation in red cell size | 11.5–14.5% |
*Ranges vary by laboratory, age and sex; use those on your report.
Low haemoglobin (anaemia)
- Iron deficiency: usually low MCV
- B12 or folate deficiency: MCV may be high
- Chronic disease: kidney disease, inflammatory conditions, cancer
- Blood loss: gastrointestinal bleeding, heavy periods
In older people, fatigue, breathlessness and pallor may be dismissed as ageing.
White cell changes
High: bacterial infection, stress, steroids, smoking, rarely blood disorders. Low: some viral infections, chemotherapy and certain medicines, B12 deficiency. The differential (neutrophils, lymphocytes and others) adds detail.
Platelet changes
Low counts can cause nosebleeds, gum bleeding and bruising; high counts may follow infection, inflammation or iron deficiency.
Reading results wisely
- Look at values together.
- Compare with previous tests.
- Mild deviations often settle on repeat testing.
- Do not start iron or vitamins without finding the cause.
We collect blood at home for CBC and routine tests across Yalova, with scheduled appointments in Bursa, Istanbul and Kocaeli–Gebze.
