Normal complete blood count (CBC) levels vary depending on age, sex, and even the laboratory performing the test. However, here's a summary of generally accepted ranges based on several reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic and other medical institutions. Remember, these are reference ranges, and your individual normal may differ slightly. Always consult your doctor to interpret your results.
Key Components & Normal Ranges
The CBC measures several components of your blood. Here are some key ones and their typical ranges:
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Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): This indicates the number of red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout your body.
- Male: 4.35 to 5.65 trillion cells/liter (Mayo Clinic) or 4.5 to 5.9 million cells/mcL (WebMD)
- Female: 3.92 to 5.13 trillion cells/liter (Mayo Clinic) or 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/mcL (Mount Sinai)
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Hemoglobin (Hgb): This protein in red blood cells carries oxygen.
- Male: 13.2 to 16.6 g/dL (Mayo Clinic - Note that other ranges may exist)
- Female: 11.6 to 15 g/dL (Mayo Clinic - Note that other ranges may exist)
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Hematocrit (Hct): The percentage of red blood cells in your blood.
- Male: 38.3% to 48.6% (Mayo Clinic) or 40.7% to 50.3% (Mount Sinai)
- Female: 35.5% to 44.9% (Mayo Clinic) or 36.1% to 44.3% (Mount Sinai)
-
White Blood Cell Count (WBC): These cells fight infection.
- General Range: 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mcL (WebMD, Mount Sinai) or 3.4 to 9.6 billion cells/liter (Mayo Clinic) This can vary depending on the presence of illness or infection.
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Platelet Count: These cells help with blood clotting.
- Male: 135 to 317 billion/liter (Mayo Clinic)
- Female: 157 to 371 billion/liter (Mayo Clinic)
Important Considerations:
- Variations: Reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories due to different testing methods.
- Individual Factors: Your doctor considers your individual health history and other factors when interpreting your CBC results. An individual's "normal" values might differ based on their individual factors.
- Further Testing: If your CBC results are outside the normal range, further testing might be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
