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Blood Count Tests
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Blood Count Tests

Blood count tests measure the number and types of cells in your blood to help doctors assess overall health and diagnose various conditions.

Overview

Your blood contains red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. Blood count tests measure the number and types of cells in your blood. This helps doctors check on your overall health. The tests can also help to diagnose diseases and conditions such as anemia, infections, clotting problems, blood cancers, and immune system disorders.

Types of Blood Count Tests

Specific types include tests for:

  • RBC - the numbers, size, and types of RBC in the blood
  • WBC - the numbers and types of WBC in the blood
  • Platelets - the numbers and size of the platelets
  • Hemoglobin - an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
  • Hematocrit - how much space red blood cells take up in your blood
  • Reticulocyte count - how many young red blood cells are in your blood
  • Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) - the average size of your red blood cells

The Complete Blood Count

The complete blood count (CBC) includes most or all of these. The CBC is one of the most common blood tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

low mean corpuscular volume means the red cells are smaller than normal. Common causes include iron deficiency, thalassemia, chronic disease, or lead poisoning. Your doctor will likely order iron studies, ferritin, and possibly hemoglobin electrophoresis to pinpoint the cause and guide treatment (e.g., iron supplements, dietary changes, or specialist referral).
During active chemotherapy, CBCs are typically done before each treatment cycle (often weekly) to monitor for neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, which can dictate dose adjustments or the need for growth‑factor support. After completing therapy, the frequency may decrease to every few weeks or months, depending on your recovery and any lingering side effects.
n elevated WBC often signals infection, inflammation, stress, or less commonly, blood cancers. If the count is markedly high (e.g., >30 ×10⁹/L) accompanied by fever, severe pain, shortness of breath, or signs of sepsis, seek emergency care; otherwise, follow up with your clinician for further evaluation.
Reticulocytes are immature red cells. A high reticulocyte count indicates the marrow is responding to anemia (common in blood loss or hemolysis). A low or normal reticulocyte count despite anemia suggests the marrow isn’t producing enough cells, pointing toward iron deficiency, vitamin B12/folate deficiency, or marrow suppression. Your doctor will interpret this alongside iron studies and other labs.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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