What should cbc levels be

Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. A red blood cell count, also called an erythrocyte count, measures the number of red blood cells in a sample of blood. There are several ways to measure red blood cells. Two of the most common are:. Platelet count. A platelet count measures the number of platelets in a sample of blood. Platelets help to stop bleeding by forming blood clots.

The amounts of each of these types of cells have a normal range. Your health care team will note this range on your CBC lab results. A range is used instead of a specific number because a normal amount is different for each person.

Your health care team must carefully read CBC test results. Keep in mind that many factors, including noncancerous conditions, can lead to results that fall out of the normal range. Ask your doctor to help you understand what your results mean. Low white blood cell count. Some cancer treatments, mainly chemotherapy, may lower your body's white blood cells.

Cancers that affect the blood and bone marrow can also lower the count. These types of cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle.

After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.

This usually takes less than five minutes. You don't need any special preparations for a complete blood count. If your health care provider has also ordered other blood tests, you may need to fast not eat or drink for several hours before the test. Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow. There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

A CBC counts the cells and measures the levels of different substances in your blood. There are many reasons your levels may fall outside the normal range. Some people also feel faint or light-headed when they see blood. Afterwards, you may have minor bruising, but it will clear up within a few days. In young infants, a nurse will typically sterilize the heel of the foot and use a small needle called a lancet to prick the area. The nurse will then gently squeeze the heel and collect a small amount of blood in a vial for testing.

Test results will vary based on your blood cell counts. Here are the normal results for adults, but different labs may deliver slight variations:. A CBC is not a definitive diagnostic test.

Blood cell counts that are too high or too low could signal a wide variety of conditions. Specialized tests are needed to diagnose a specific condition. Conditions that could cause an abnormal CBC and may require additional testing include:. If your CBC shows abnormal levels, your doctor may order another blood test to confirm results.

They may also order other tests to help further evaluate your condition and confirm a diagnosis. White blood cells, or WBCs, are an important part of your immune system. They help fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs. An eosinophil count is a type of blood test that measures the quantity of eosinophils in your body. An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell.

A CBC can be done as part of a routine checkup to screen for problems or because a child isn't feeling well. The levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets can provide doctors with information about possible problems like anemia , infections, inflammation, and other conditions. Your child should be able to eat and drink normally unless also getting other tests that require fasting beforehand.

Tell your doctor about any medicines your child takes because some drugs might affect the test results. Also let the doctor know if your child has had a blood transfusion or smokes. These can affect the CBC. Wearing a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt for the test can make things easier for your child, and you also can bring along a toy or book as a distraction.

Most blood tests take a small amount of blood from a vein. To do that, a health professional will:.