Complete Blood Count (also known as CBC or hemogram)
A complete blood count is a series of tests that evaluates the cellular components of blood (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Vets often take this test to check for anemia, infections, and other health problems.
Red blood cell count (RBC): The number, size, shape and appearance of red blood cells in a volume of blood.
Haemoglobin (Hb): The amount of haemoglobin (the protein that enables the cells to carry oxygen) can be determined. The size and shape of red blood cells are also analysed.
Hematocrit (Hct, packed cell volume, PCV): Measures the percentage of a sample of blood that is occupied by red blood cells.
White blood cell count (WBC): The number of white blood cells (WBC) in a volume of blood.
White blood cell differential: There are 5 types of white blood cells; granulocytes, which include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils and the nongranuloctye white blood cells, lymphocytes, and monocytes. The differential determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell.
Platelet count (also called thrombocytes): The number of platelets in a volume of blood.
Mean platelet volume (MPV): An average size of the platelets in the blood.
Normal ranges for cats:
These values are guidelines only and may vary depending on the laboratory, analyser, breed, sex and environment *
|
RBC (x106/µl) |
5-10 |
|
Haemoglobin (g/dl) |
8.0-15.0 |
|
MCV – Mean Corpuscular Volume (fl) |
39-55 |
|
Hematocrit (PCV) (%) |
24-45 |
|
White blood cell (/µl) |
5,500-19,500 |
|
Neutrophils (mature) (/µl) |
2,500-12,500 |
|
Neutrophils (bands) (/µl) |
0 – 300 |
|
Lymphocytes (/µl) |
1,500-7,000 |
|
Monocytes (/µl) |
0-850 |
|
Eosinophils (/µl) |
0-1,500 |
|
Basophils (/µl) |
rare |
|
Platelets (x 105/µl) |
3.0-8.0 |
|
Plasma Proteins (g/dl) |
6.0-8.0 |
|
Fibrinogen (mg/dl) |
50-300 |
References:
The Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary – D. C. Blood and V. P. Studdert.