Understanding your Complete Blood Count (CBC) results
A complete blood count measures the three types of cell made in the bone marrow: red blood cells, which carry oxygen using haemoglobin; white blood cells, which are part of the immune system; and platelets, which help blood to clot. The report also gives haematocrit, the share of blood volume made up of red cells, and MCV (mean corpuscular volume), the average size of a red cell, which doctors use to classify anaemia. Doctors often start with a CBC when looking into tiredness, infection or bleeding.
The ranges on this page are commonly quoted adult reference ranges. Laboratories set their own, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges
>>>| Parameter | Reference range | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| White blood cells (WBC) | 4,000–11,000 | cells/µL | |
| Red blood cells (RBC), men | 4.5–5.5 | million/µL | |
| Red blood cells (RBC), women | 4.0–5.0 | million/µL | |
| Haemoglobin, men | 13.5–17.5 | g/dL | |
| Haemoglobin, women | 12.0–16.0 | g/dL | |
| Haematocrit, men | 41–53 | % | |
| Haematocrit, women | 36–46 | % | |
| MCV (mean corpuscular volume) | 80–100 | fL | Average size of a red cell |
| Platelets | 150,000–400,000 | cells/µL |
What a high Complete Blood Count (CBC) result can mean
A white cell count above the reference range is called leukocytosis. It is most often seen with infection: bacterial infections tend to raise neutrophils and viral infections tend to raise lymphocytes. A platelet count above the range is called thrombocytosis and can follow infection, surgery or iron deficiency. Haemoglobin above the range is called polycythaemia and can be seen with dehydration, long-term lung disease or, rarely, a bone marrow condition. A doctor reads each of these alongside the rest of the report and your symptoms.
What a low Complete Blood Count (CBC) result can mean
Haemoglobin below the reference range is called anaemia. MCV helps to describe it: a low MCV (microcytic anaemia) is associated with iron deficiency and thalassaemia trait, and a high MCV (macrocytic anaemia) with low vitamin B12 or folate. A white cell count below the range can be seen with viral infections, some medicines and reduced bone marrow activity. A platelet count below the range is called thrombocytopenia and can be seen with viral infections, including dengue, and with immune conditions. A low count in all three cell lines is called pancytopenia.
How a doctor reads the result
A doctor will usually interpret a CBC alongside your symptoms, medicines and any earlier results, looking at how far a value sits outside the laboratory's range and whether it is changing. Laboratories may also add a comment on how the cells look under the microscope. Discuss any flagged result with the doctor who ordered the test.
Follow-up a doctor may arrange
When a CBC is outside the reference range, the follow-up depends on the finding. Tests a doctor may order include iron studies and ferritin, a blood film to look at the cells, vitamin B12 and folate, or haemoglobin electrophoresis when thalassaemia trait is suspected. Iron deficiency and thalassaemia trait can look alike on a CBC, which is why doctors usually confirm the cause before suggesting any treatment.
Related tests
>>>Complete Blood Count (CBC): preparation and listed prices
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood. The CBC test is listed at AED 59 to AED 99 across 6 labs and services: AED 59 on the DarDoc website, AED 60 on the Healthchecks360 website, AED 80 on the Smart Care Polyclinic website (Dubai only), AED 88 on the Forte Clinical Laboratory website (Dubai only), AED 90 on the Unilabs website and AED 99 on the ServiceMarket website (Dubai only, home visit included).
Sources: Prices on this page are the ones each lab or service publishes on its own website, read between 13 October 2026 and 7 November 2026. Zavis has published prices from 6 of the 13 labs and services it lists: of the other 7, 6 do not publish per-test prices and 1 website could not be read. The websites do not all say whether VAT or a collection fee is added to a listed price, so confirm the price with the lab before you book. How Zavis sources prices.
Listed prices for the CBC test, as each site names itFrequently asked questions
What are the commonly quoted reference ranges for Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges are: White blood cells (WBC): 4,000–11,000 cells/µL; Red blood cells (RBC), men: 4.5–5.5 million/µL; Red blood cells (RBC), women: 4.0–5.0 million/µL; Haemoglobin, men: 13.5–17.5 g/dL; Haemoglobin, women: 12.0–16.0 g/dL; Haematocrit, men: 41–53 %; Haematocrit, women: 36–46 %; MCV (mean corpuscular volume): 80–100 fL; Platelets: 150,000–400,000 cells/µL. Laboratories set their own ranges, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
What can a high Complete Blood Count (CBC) result mean?
A white cell count above the reference range is called leukocytosis. It is most often seen with infection: bacterial infections tend to raise neutrophils and viral infections tend to raise lymphocytes. A platelet count above the range is called thrombocytosis and can follow infection, surgery or iron deficiency. Haemoglobin above the range is called polycythaemia and can be seen with dehydration, long-term lung disease or, rarely, a bone marrow condition. A doctor reads each of these alongside the rest of the report and your symptoms.
Is fasting needed for Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
How often are Complete Blood Count (CBC) results rechecked?
There is no single interval that suits everyone. A doctor can advise whether and how often to test, based on your health, any treatment and your earlier results.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your full clinical picture, symptoms, and medical history. If you have concerns about your test results, always consult a licensed healthcare professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard professional medical guidance because of information on this page.