How to read a CBC report
Quick answer: To read a CBC report, start with hemoglobin, check white cells, check platelets and look at red cell size.
- Start with hemoglobin. It shows whether you have anaemia. Typical adult ranges are about 13.5–17.5 g/dL for men and 12.0–15.5 g/dL for women.
- Check white cells. A white cell count (WBC or TLC) of about 4,000–11,000 per µL is typical; higher counts usually mean infection or inflammation.
- Check platelets. About 150,000–450,000 per µL (1.5–4.5 lakh/cumm) is typical. Low counts are common after viral infections such as dengue.
- Look at red cell size. MCV below 80 fL often points to low iron or thalassaemia trait; above 100 fL to low B12 or folate.
Common CBC patterns
Low hemoglobin with small red cells (low MCV, low MCH) is the classic picture of iron deficiency. Low hemoglobin with large cells (high MCV) suggests low B12 or folate. A raised white count with high neutrophils often goes with a bacterial infection, while high lymphocytes are common with viruses.
Units on Indian and Pakistani reports
Labs often write counts per cubic millimetre (cumm), which is the same as per microlitre. 7,800 cells/cumm equals 7.8 ×10³/µL, and 2.5 lakh/cumm platelets equals 250 ×10³/µL. The checker converts these for you.
Important
This tool explains results in plain words; it can't diagnose anything. Your doctor reads them alongside your symptoms, history and medicines.
Frequently asked questions
What hemoglobin level is too low?
Below about 13.5 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women is called anaemia. Below 7 g/dL is usually considered severe and needs prompt medical care.
Why are my platelets low?
Short-term drops are common with viral infections, including dengue, and some medicines. Very low counts (under 20,000) raise bleeding risk and need urgent advice.
Why is my lab's normal range different?
Each lab sets ranges for its own machines and methods, so they vary a little. When your report prints a range, the checker shows it and uses it for most tests. For tests with standard medical cut-offs, such as HbA1c, cholesterol and vitamin D, it uses those cut-offs.
Are my results uploaded or stored?
No. The report is read inside your browser, on your device. Nothing is sent to a server or saved after you close the page.