Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer: Decode Your Results

Not sure what your red blood cell, platelets, and other blood count test results mean? Choose a test and enter your value to better understand if it's in the low, optimal, or high range.

"The purpose of this tool is to help you sort out the results of your complete blood count (CBC) test, and help you understand what the various numbers reported with the CBC mean. With this information, you can work with your doctor to evaluate any abnormal values you might find.” – Richard N. Fogoros, MD.

 

Helpful Resources

The CBC, a common screening blood test, gives important information about whether a person has anemia and what might be causing it, whether the bone marrow (where blood cells are produced) is functioning normally, and whether a person may be dealing with a bleeding disorder, infection, inflammation, or certain kinds of cancer.

We want to help ensure you have productive and empowering discussions with your physicians.

Explore the following articles, tools, downloads, and communities to learn more:

• Read more about anemia
• Read more about polycythemia
• Read more about platelet disorders
• Read more about bone marrow disorders
• Read more about bleeding disorders
• Read more about white blood cells
• Read more about inflammation
• Read more about leukemia

Frequently Asked Questions

What information do I need in order to get my CBC test analysis?

All you need is the name of the test and the test value, as listed on your CBC report that you receive from your doctor. You’ll need to provide both pieces of information to receive an analysis.

All test values should be numerical values—no need to add units, we’ll add those for you!

Which CBC tests can be analyzed?

Our tool can analyze results from these common CBC tests:

• Red blood cell count (RBC)
• White blood cell count (WBC)
• Platelet count
• Hemoglobin
• Hematocrit
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
• Red cell distribution width (RDW)
• Mean platelet volume (MPV)
• Reticulocyte count
• WBC (white blood cell) differential, including:
  
  Neutrophil count
• Lymphocyte count
• Monocyte count
• Eosinophil count
• Basophil count

You can analyze one test at a time, but please remember that many of these tests are closely related, and results of individual tests often need to be evaluated as a group to get a clear picture of what's going on. Your doctor is the best person to analyze your results as a whole—this tool is meant for informational purposes only.

Where can I find my CBC test results or lab report?

In most cases, your test results will be ready a day or two after your bloodwork is drawn.

You can obtain a copy from your doctor’s office, either at a visit or by calling in.

Your doctor will have the results even if the tests were performed outside of their office. They will likely call or schedule an appointment to review them with you. You can use this tool before or after your discussion to learn more about the different tests and results.

Some labs and offices also offer online patient portals where you can view your results without having to call in. Select the name of the test, as indicated on your report, and enter it into the analyzer, along with your listed numerical value, to receive an analysis.

Note that different laboratories may have different reference ranges for these tests. The reference ranges used in the analyzer are meant to represent typical ranges. If the ranges differ, you should refer to the specific ones provided by the laboratory in which the test was performed.

What information will I receive from the tool?

Once you enter your information, the CBC analyzer will tell you if your result is low, optimal, or high and what that might mean. You'll also learn a little bit about the test, why it's done, and what it measures.

How were the results analyzed?

The CBC analyzer was reviewed by a board-certified physician. Optimal range values and interpretations are in line with leading authorities (although they sometimes slightly vary across laboratories).

Remember, however, that this analysis is for informational purposes only. You should use it as a starting point or to further understand what you have already discussed with your doctor. It is not a replacement for a professional medical visit.

Medical conditions affecting the results of the CBC are many, and can involve many different organ systems. Your doctor is the best person to take a holistic look at you, your medical history, and the relationships between the results of your CBC.

They can provide you with the most customized, accurate interpretation and next steps to follow.

Who else can see my lab results or personal analysis?

We take online privacy very seriously, especially when it comes to individual and personalized health information. We do not track which lab tests you analyze and we do not store any lab values you enter. You are the only one who can see your analysis. Also, you will not be able to return to your results, so if you would like to save them it is best to print them.

Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

Can this tool diagnose me with any medical condition?

This tool does not provide medical advice or diagnosis. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultations, diagnosis, or treatment.

What should I do with the analysis?

You should use the analysis to empower yourself and learn more about your results, but not to diagnose yourself with any medical condition. Proper diagnosis and treatment require a holistic look at your previous medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and more. Your doctor is the best person to do this.

You can use this information to inspire questions or use it as a starting point for a conversation with your doctor at your next appointment. Asking the right questions can help you know what to expect.