In short
- A CBC looks at red and white blood cells, haemoglobin and platelets.
- Low haemoglobin = anaemia (often iron, B12 or folate deficiency).
- Raised white cells often go with infection/inflammation.
- Always judge values in context; a doctor assesses deviations.
The basic blood count (CBC or haemogram) is one of the most common reports. It says a surprising amount about your health — from anaemia to signs of infection.
What a CBC contains
| Component | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (Hb) | oxygen transport; low = anaemia |
| Erythrocytes | red blood cells (number, size — MCV) |
| Leukocytes | white blood cells; defence against infection |
| Platelets | blood platelets; clotting |
Reference limits depend on sex and laboratory. Judge them against the range on your own report.
What common deviations mean
Low haemoglobin (anaemia)
The blood carries less oxygen. You feel tired, look pale and get out of breath. The size of the cells (MCV) helps separate the cause. Small cells often mean iron deficiency, large ones B12/folate deficiency.
Raised white cells
Often a sign of infection or inflammation. We judge them together with how you feel and your other results.
Platelets
Too low or too high belongs in a doctor's assessment — platelets matter for clotting.
In practice: a CBC is an excellent screening test. When something is unclear, targeted tests fill in the picture (ferritin, B12, folate, inflammation markers).
How Blood Lab 360 helps
We explain the blood count in plain language. We link it with other markers to find the cause of, say, tiredness. And we track your progress over time.
Frequently asked questions
What does low haemoglobin mean?
Anaemia — the blood carries less oxygen. Common causes: iron, B12 or folate deficiency.
What do raised white blood cells mean?
Often infection or inflammation; they need to be judged in context.
What are platelets?
Blood platelets for clotting; too low or too high belongs in a doctor's assessment.
