Lab results online in Canada, explained
CBC blood test results explained (Canada)
A complete blood count looks at the kinds and numbers of cells in your blood: red cells, white cells and platelets. It is often part of a regular check-up, or done to look into symptoms such as tiredness, weakness or bruising.
Also printed as: CBC, CBC and Differential, CBC No Differential.
What is on the report
Typical adult ranges. Each lab sets its own, so the range printed next to your result is the one that counts.
| Test | What it is | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| WBC | The total number of white blood cells, the body's infection fighters. | 3.4–9.6 x10^3/µL |
| Neutrophils | The most common white blood cells, the first to fight bacteria. | 50–70 % (percent of white cells) |
| Lymphocytes | White blood cells that fight viruses and make antibodies. | 20–40 % (percent of white cells) |
| Monocytes | White blood cells that clean up germs and damaged tissue. | 2–8 % (percent of white cells) |
| Eosinophils | White blood cells involved in allergies and fighting parasites. | 0–4 % (percent of white cells) |
| Basophils | The rarest white blood cells, involved in allergic reactions. | 0–1 % (percent of white cells) |
| RBC | The number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. | 3.92–5.13 x10^6/µL (women) 4.35–5.65 x10^6/µL (men) |
| Hemoglobin | The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. | 11.6–15 g/dL (women) 13.2–16.6 g/dL (men) |
| Hematocrit | How much of the blood's volume is red blood cells. | 0.355–0.449 ratio (women, as a fraction (L/L)) 0.383–0.486 ratio (men, as a fraction (L/L)) |
| MCV | The average size of your red blood cells. | 78.2–97.9 fL |
| MCH | The average amount of hemoglobin inside each red blood cell. | 26–33 pg (women) 27–33 pg (men) |
| MCHC | How concentrated the hemoglobin is inside the red blood cells. | 32–36 g/dL |
| RDW | How much your red blood cells vary in size. | 39–46 fL (RDW-SD) |
| Platelets | Tiny cell pieces that help the blood clot. | 157–371 x10^3/µL (women) 135–317 x10^3/µL (men) |
Good to know in Canada
- In Alberta's portal, the test may be listed as CBC and Differential. The differential is the count of each type of white blood cell: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils.
- Results are grouped the way your doctor ordered them, so all the CBC values appear together under one heading.
- Normal values depend on age, sex, how high above sea level you live and the type of sample. Pregnancy also changes them.
- Each lab sets its own range. Use the range printed on your own report.
Call 911 in an emergency. For health advice that is not an emergency, call 811 in most provinces and territories. For questions about your results, contact your family doctor, nurse practitioner or the clinic that ordered the test.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your lab report, or upload the PDF, and Vita explains each number in plain words, suggests what to ask your doctor, and keeps it with your past results. Vita does not connect to any Canadian health record system. Hospital connections are for US hospitals, not Canadian ones.
Vita Health Coach on the App StoreAsk it in ChatGPT
Vita Health Coach also answers in ChatGPT. One tap opens ChatGPT with this question ready to send:
“What should I ask the doctor about my Complete blood count (CBC) result?”
Questions
Do I need to fast before a CBC?
No preparation is usually needed for a complete blood count. Follow any instructions your clinic or lab gave you.
What are MCV, MCH and MCHC?
They describe your red blood cells. MCV is their average size, MCH is the amount of hemoglobin in an average red cell, and MCHC is how concentrated the hemoglobin is inside the cells.
One value is outside the range. Is something wrong?
Not necessarily. A value outside the range can still be normal for you. Your doctor reads the CBC values together and alongside your health, age and other factors.
More for Canada
Sources
General information, not medical advice. VitaMedas is not connected with any government health service. Vita Health Coach explains; it never diagnoses. In an emergency, call 911. Read the medical disclaimer.