Complete blood count (CBC)

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What you can expect

By Mayo Clinic staff

For a complete blood count, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately.

Results How you prepare
References
  1. Nicoll D, et al. Complete blood cell count. In: Nicoll D, et al. Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests. 5th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=3135998. Accessed Dec. 10, 2010
  2. Complete blood count. Lab Tests Online. http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cbc/test.html. Accessed Dec. 10, 2010.
  3. Fischbach FT. Blood studies: Hematology and coagulation. In: Fischbach FT. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:58.
  4. Laboratory reference values. Hematology group. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; December 2010.
  5. Mesa RA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Ariz. Dec. 10, 2010.
MY00476 Jan. 29, 2011

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