Complete Blood Count (CBC)

WBC or White Blood Cell Count. White cells are the body's primary defense against disease and infection. High or low concentrations of WBC's are indicative of different disease processes.

RBC or Red Blood Cell Count. Red blood cells are the oxygen-carrying component of your blood. Various blood disorders are indicated when the total count is high or low.

HGB or Hemoglobin. This is the actual part of the red blood cell that carries the oxygen molecule. Iron is required for hemoglobin to function properly. Abnormal hemoglobin result can indicate an anemia and several other disorders.

HCT or Hematocrit. The hematocrit is a calculation of the cellular portion of your blood vs. the total volume of blood. The part that is not cells is called plasma and carries all your body's nutrients and metabolic wastes.

MCV, MCH, MCHC. These measurements are called red blood cell indices. They are used to indicate and diagnose anemias.

RDW or Red Cell Distribution Width. This is a measurement that shows the variation in size from the biggest red blood cell to the smallest red blood cell counted. High RDW's are indicative of different types of anemias.

PLT or Platelet count. The platelets are tiny cell fragments in your blood stream that are necessary for normal blood clotting to occur. Your physician should review abnormal values.

MPV or Mean Platelet Volume. This is the measurement of the average size of the platelets in your bloodstream.