View a Sample CBC Test Result
In the United States, the complete blood count (CBC) is typically reported
in the format below, although different labs may
use different formats.
If your blood counts fall outside of the normal range, shown in
the "Reference Interval" column, their values will be reported in
the "Result" column with an "L" for low and an "H" for high. Note
that different labs may use different reference intervals.1
The sample CBC below shows that WBC and RBC are low.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
| Test Results |
Result |
Units |
Reference Interval |
| White Blood Count |
1.5 L |
x 103/mm3 |
5.0-10.0 |
| Red Blood Count |
3.50 L |
x 106/mm3 |
4.1-5.3 |
| Hemoglobin |
10.8 L |
g/dL |
12.0-18.0 |
| Hematocrit |
31.1 L |
% |
37.0-52.0 |
| Platelets |
302 |
x 103/mm3 |
150-400 |
| Polys (neutrophils) |
23 L |
% |
45-76 |
| lymphocytes |
68 H |
% |
17-44 |
| Monocytes |
7 |
% |
3-10 |
| Eosinophils |
2 |
% |
0-4 |
| Basophils |
0.6 |
% |
0.2 |
| Polys (absolute) |
0.34 L |
x 103/mm3 |
1.8-7.8 |
| Lymphocytes (absolute) |
1.0 |
x 103/mm3 |
0.7-4.5 |
| Monocytes (absolute) |
0.1 |
x 103/mm3 |
0.1-1.0 |
| Eosinophils (absolute) |
0.1 |
x 103/mm3 |
0.0-0.4 |
| Basophils (absolute) |
0.0 |
x 103/mm3 |
0.0-0.2 |
Understanding the Chart
Result: The "Result" column shows the
counts. The "L" or "H" after the count shows whether the counts
are lower ("L") or higher ("H").
Reference Interval (or Reference Range): The "Reference
Interval" column shows the normal range for each measurement for the
lab performing the test. Different labs may use different reference
intervals.1
L/H: These letters show the counts that are lower ("L") or higher ("H") than the normal range.
White blood cells: The CBC report shows that the patient's total WBC is 1.5, which is lower than the normal range of 5.0-10.0.
The low WBC increases the risk of infection.2
Red blood cells: The report shows
that the patient has a RBC count of 3.50, which is lower
than the normal range of 4.1-5.3.2
Hemoglobin: The report indicates
that the patient's hemoglobin count is 10.8, which is below the normal range
of 12.0-18.0.2
Hematocrit: Hematocrit is also low. This
means that the patient has mild anemia and may be starting to notice
symptoms.2
Platelets: The report indicates
that the platelet count for this patient is normal.2
Differential: This portion of the
report shows the counts for the five main kinds of white cells, either
as percentages (the first five counts) or as the absolute number of
cells (the second five counts).2
Absolute neutrophil count: The
ANC is shown on the report as "Polys (absolute)." "Polys" stands for
polymorphonuclear leukocytes.3 This patient's ANC is low at 340, or
0.34 x 103 /mm3 (or 1,000).
ANC is calculated as WBC x the percentage of neutrophils (polys).3
In addition to blood-related side effects, chemotherapy can result
in other side effects. Learn
more about managing chemotherapy
side effects.
1. Reference ranges and what they mean. American Association for Clinical Chemistry Lab Tests Online website. Updated July 29, 2009. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/features/ref_ranges—7.html. Accessed May 12, 2010.
2. Complete blood count. American Association for Clinical Chemistry Lab Tests Online website. Updated July 29, 2009. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cbc/test.html. Accessed May 12, 2010.
3. Infections in people with cancer. American Cancer Society website. Updated September 8, 2008. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_2X_Infections_in_People_with
_Cancer.asp. Accessed May 12, 2010.
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