Complete Blood Count

Clinical Significance

CBC (includes Differential and Platelets) - A complete blood count is used as a screening test for various disease states to include: anemia, leukemia and inflammatory processes.

Test Details

Components Includes:

• WBC

• RBC

• Hemoglobin

• Hematocrit

• MCV

• MCH

• MCHC

• RDW

• Platelet Count

• MPV

• Differential (Absolute and Percent - Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils)

** If abnormal cells are noted on a manual review of the peripheral blood smear or if the automated differential information meets specific criteria, a full manual differential will be performed.

Methodology

Electronic Cell Sizing/Counting/Cytometry/Microscopy

Reference Range(s)

See Laboratory Report

Alternative Name(s)

Complete Blood Count, Hemogram

Preferred Specimen(s)

Whole blood from a full EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Collection Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. If multiple draw, collect EDTA (lavender-top) tube last. Traumatic draw can introduce thromboplastin and trap WBC and platelets. Refrigeration can precipitate fibrin and trap WBC and platelets.

Transport Container

EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

• Room temperature: 48 hours

• Refrigerated: 48 hours (may cause platelet clumping)

• Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria

Hemolysis • Clotted • Received frozen