What is a normal CBC reading?

Answer 1

Normal CBC results vary a bit by laboratory standards, gender of patient for some tests, and location, such as high altitude may influence the normal range for a region for red blood cells. A CBC reports white blood cells (WBC) usually 4500-10,000, red blood cells and the related hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (HB), and platellet count, usually 150,000-300,000. There is also a breakdown of types of WBC and their relative presence in percentages, so that the various types add up to 100%.

HCT levels are higher in men typically, but overall range is about 37-47, and HB 12-16. Neutrophils (WBC) are typically between 55-70%, lymphocytes 25-45%, bands (stabs) under 4%, eosinophils under 5%, monocytes under 10%. These are general guidelines, as these normal values vary by lab. Interpretation requires looking at the whole picture, not just one element.