Complete blood count
Complete blood count,
the cells in your blood measured
A complete blood count measures the cells your blood is made of: red blood cells with haemoglobin and haematocrit, white blood cells and platelets. Together these values give a first impression of anaemia, immunity and clotting. At Bloodworks the blood count is part of the complete blood tests, without a referral and with a personal explanation from a doctor.
View the complete blood tests →What does a complete blood count measure?
The five parts are always read together: a single deviating value says little, the pattern says much more. A doctor therefore reads the result as a whole, in your context.
Haemoglobin
The red blood pigment that carries oxygen. A low value can fit anaemia, for example due to an iron deficiency.
View the single testMCV
The average size of your red blood cells. This value helps distinguish the type of anaemia, for example due to iron deficiency or a vitamin shortage.
Haematocrit
The share of your blood made up of cells. It is read together with haemoglobin and helps recognise anaemia or, conversely, thickened blood.
Erythrocytes (red blood cells)
The number of red blood cells carrying oxygen through your body. The count and cell size together give direction when looking for a cause of anaemia.
Leukocytes (white blood cells)
Your immune cells. A raised count can fit an infection or inflammation; a low count deserves interpretation by a doctor.
Platelets (thrombocytes)
The cells that take care of clotting. Abnormalities can be associated with bruising easily or bleeding longer, and belong on a doctor’s desk.
Fatigue as a symptom? Also read the guide on fatigue and your blood or view ferritin for your iron stores.
How Bloodworks works
Order online
Choose your package and preferred location
Receive your lab form
Within 24 hours by email, with appointment planner
Schedule your blood draw
Or choose a walk-in location
Blood draw
Takes just a few minutes
Receive your report
Securely, typically within 2 working days from our physicians
Frequently asked questions about the complete blood count
What is a complete blood count?
A complete blood count is a group of measurements of the cells in your blood: red blood cells (with haemoglobin and haematocrit), white blood cells and platelets. Together they give a first impression of anaemia, immunity and clotting.
When is a complete blood count useful?
For example with persistent fatigue, paleness, easy bruising, recurring infections, or simply as part of a broad health check. An abnormal value is not a diagnosis; a doctor interprets the result in your context.
Can I order a complete blood count on its own?
Yes. The complete blood count is available as its own test and as a single marker when you compose your own panel. It is also part of our complete blood tests, where the doctor reads the cell values in context with liver, kidney and blood sugar values.
Do I need to be fasted for a blood count?
Not for the blood count itself. If you combine it with blood sugar or lipid values, fasting may be required; your lab form will say so.
What does an abnormal result mean?
That depends on which value deviates, by how much, and on your symptoms and situation. Reference ranges also differ between laboratories; the values of the performing laboratory are the ones that apply. With us you always receive a personal explanation from a doctor.
Have your blood count measured?
The complete blood count is part of our complete blood tests. You give blood at a location nearby and receive your results with a personal explanation from a doctor.
View the complete blood tests →