CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Label Mnemonic: CBC
Epic code: LAB294
Downtime form: A-1a Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery
Hematology
6240 RCP
356-3527
Specimen(s):
Blood
Collection Medium:
Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)
Minimum:
Full draw; 3.0 mL lavender top; (or fingerstick-purple top microtainer®)
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
Routine turnaround time is approximately 1 hour.
Reference Range:
ADULT RANGES UNLESS NOTED
                           Male                 Female
WBC*                 3.7-10.5 k/mm3          3.7-10.5 k/mm3
Hemoglobin*         13.2-17.7 g/dL          11.9-15.5 g/dL
Hematocrit* (pcv)     40-52%                  35-47%
Platelets*           150-400 k/mm3           150-400 k/mm3
Red Blood Count
 18 yr+              4.5-6.2 millions/mm3    4.0-5.2 millions/mm3
 11 yr - <18 yr      4.3-5.6 millions/mm3    3.9-5.1 millions/mm3
 5 yr - <11 yr       4.3-5.5 millions/mm3    4.1-5.2 millions/mm3
 1 yr - <5 yr        3.8-5.2 millions/mm3    3.8-5.2 millions/mm3
 6 mo - <1 yr        3.9-5.5 millions/mm3    3.9-5.5 millions/mm3
 3 mo - <6 mo**      3.1-5.1 millions/mm3    3.1-5.1 millions/mm3
 2 mo - <3 mo**      2.7-4.5 millions/mm3    2.7-4.5 millions/mm3
 1 mo - <2 mo**      3.1-5.3 millions/mm3    3.1-5.3 millions/mm3
 0 - <1 mo**         3.9-5.9 millions/mm3    3.9-5.9 millions/mm3
RDWCV                9.0-14.5%               9.0-14.5%
RDWSD               35.1-43.9 fL            36.4-46.3 fL
MCV
 18 yr+              82-99 femtoliters       82-99 femtoliters
 12 yr - <18 yr      79-95 femtoliters       79-95 femtoliters
 6 yr - <12 yr       77-90 femtoliters       77-90 femtoliters
 1 yr - <6 yr        75-90 femtoliters       75-90 femtoliters
 6 mo - <1 yr        70-85 femtoliters       70-85 femtoliters
 3 mo - <6 mo        74-108 femtoliters      74-108 femtoliters
 1 mo - <3 mo        91-112 femtoliters      91-112 femtoliters
 Birth - <1 mo       88-123 femtoliters      88-123 femtoliters
MPV                 9.4-12.3 fL             9.4-12.3 fL
MCH
 11 - 18 yr+         25-35 picograms         25-35 picograms
 5 yr - <11 yr       25-33 picograms         25-33 picograms
 6 mo - <5 yr        23-31 picograms         23-31 picograms
 3 mo - <6 mo        25-35 picograms         25-35 picograms
 1 mo - <3 mo        27-36 picograms         27-36 picograms
 Birth - <1 mo       31-37 picograms         31-37 picograms
MCHC
 18 yr+              32-36 g/dL RBC          32-36 g/dL RBC
 1 yr - <18 yr       32-36 g/dL RBC          32-36 g/dL RBC
 6 mo - <1 yr        32-36 g/dL RBC          32-36 g/dL RBC
 Birth - <6 mo       28-36 g/dL RBC          28-36 g/dL RBC

 *A more complete listing of normal ranges based on age and sex are
  listed under each individual test code.
**Values refer to full term infants.
Comments:
Refer to BD Microtainer® Tubes product sheet for detailed sample collection instructions.

The Hematology Laboratory will make and review a smear if any of the following conditions apply: (1) patient's first CBC sample AND results meet laboratory review criteria; (2) questionable (not necessarily abnormal) CBC results; (3) CBC results are significantly different from that of a previous specimen; (4) a physician specifically requests a smear review by Technologist or a "Pathologist Review Blood Smear".

EDTA samples are saved in the laboratory until 4:00 p.m. the day after receipt. Upon request, a smear could be made up until that time if necessary. However, as the specimen ages, cell disintegration and distortion may occur. Stained smears are held in the laboratories for approximately two months.
Methodology:
Flow Cytometry
hgb = Colorimetric
CPT Code:
85027
 
See also:
Blood Smear, Path Morphologic Exam, (Wright Stain)
Blood Smear, Technologist Review, (Wright Stain)