CBC is a pathological test performed to diagnose different infections and other health problems. Abnormal results of different parameters of CBC test is indication of some health problem. Here are some general meaning of abnormal result. Actual result can be found by a doctor only as he can clinically apply results using other factors.
Low haemoglobin
- Anemia (various types)
- Blood loss
Low RBC or Hematacrit
Low RBC or Hematacrit is a sign of anemia, which may be a result from following
- Poor diet and nutrition, causing too little iron, folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin B6
- Multiple myeloma
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematous or rheumatoid arthritis
- Haemolysis (red blood cell destruction)
- Leukaemia and other blood cancers
- Blood loss (haemorrhage)
- Bone marrow failure (for example, from radiation, infection, or tumor)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Long-term infections such as hepatitis
High RBC or Haematocrit
- Low oxygen level in the blood for a long time due to heart or lung disease
- Polycythaemia vera
- Smoking
- Dehydration (such as from severe diarrhea)
- Kidney disease with high erythropoietin production
High WBC
High numbers of WBCs is called leucocytosis. It can result from following
- Leukaemia
- Severe emotional or physical stress
- Tissue damage (such as burns)
- Infectious diseases
- Inflammatory disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or allergy)
Low WBC
A decreased WBC count may be due to following
- Bone marrow failure (for example, due to infection, tumor, radiation, or fibrosis)
- Disease of the liver or spleen
- Autoimmune diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematous)