View a Sample CBC
In the United States, the 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.
The sample CBC below shows that white blood cells and red blood
cells 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 |
| Lymphs |
68 H |
% |
17-44 |
| Monocytes |
7 |
% |
3-10 |
| Eos |
2 |
% |
0-4 |
| Basos |
0.6 |
% |
0.2 |
| Polys (absolute) |
.34 L |
x 103/mm3 |
1.8-7.8 |
| Lymphs (absolute) |
1.0 |
x 103/mm3 |
0.7-4.5 |
| Monocytes (absolute) |
0.1 |
x 103/mm3 |
0.1-1.0 |
| Eos (absolute) |
0.1 |
x 103/mm3 |
0.0-0.4 |
| Basos (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.
L/H: These letters show the counts that are lower ("L") or higher ("H") than the normal range.
White blood cells: The complete
blood count (CBC) report shows that the patient's total white blood
cell count (WBC) is 1.5, which is lower than the normal range of 5.0-10.0.
The low white cell count increases the risk of infection.
Red blood cells: The report shows
that the patient has a red blood cell count of 3.50, which is lower
than the normal range of 4.1-5.3.
Hemoglobin: The report indicates
that the patient's Hb count is 10.8, which is below the normal range
of 12.0-18.0.
Hematocrit: Hematocrit is also low. This
means that the patient has mild anemia and may be starting to notice
symptoms.
Platelets: The report indicates
that the platelet count for this patient is normal.
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).
Absolute neutrophil count: The
ANC is shown on the report as "Polys (absolute)." "Polys" stands for
polymorphonuclear leukocytes. 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).
In addition to blood-related side effects, chemotherapy can result
in other side effects. To get the most from your treatment, learn
more about managing chemotherapy
side effects.
UNDERSTANDING CANCER
TREATING CANCER WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS
TREATING CANCER IN OTHER WAYS
TRACKING YOUR TEST RESULTS
UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE AND TAX ISSUES: INSURANCE TIPS
WEB RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS
TOOLS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR CANCER INFORMATION
FOR CAREGIVERS
GLOSSARY OF CANCER TERMS
REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
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