CBC Interpretation: Essentially Normal with Mild Findings
This CBC demonstrates essentially normal hematologic parameters with only mild, non-specific findings that do not suggest significant pathology. The values fall within or near normal reference ranges for a healthy adult, though some parameters warrant brief comment.
Red Blood Cell Parameters
The red blood cell indices are normal and indicate no anemia or significant red cell pathology 1, 2:
- Hemoglobin 12.7 g/dL falls within normal range (reference values typically 11.16-17.54 g/dL for adults), though on the lower end if this is a male patient 2
- Hematocrit 36.1% is proportionate to the hemoglobin (normal range approximately 33-49%) 2
- RBC count 4.11 × 10¹²/L is normal (reference 3.89-6.34 × 10¹²/L) 2
- MCV 87.9 fL, MCH 31 pg, MCHC 35.2 g/dL are all within normal limits, indicating normocytic, normochromic red cells with no evidence of iron deficiency, B12/folate deficiency, or hemoglobinopathy 1, 2
- RDW 12.5% is normal, indicating uniform red cell size distribution 3, 4
White Blood Cell Parameters
The white blood cell count and differential are normal without evidence of infection, immunodeficiency, or hematologic malignancy 1, 5:
- WBC 4.4 × 10⁹/L is within normal range (reference 2.81-8.80 × 10⁹/L) 2
- Absolute neutrophil count 2.0 × 10⁹/L (46% of 4.4) is adequate and above the threshold for neutropenia 1
- Absolute lymphocyte count 1.8 × 10⁹/L (42%) is normal and does not suggest immunodeficiency 1
- Absolute monocyte count 0.3 × 10⁹/L (8%), eosinophils 0.1 × 10⁹/L (3%), and basophils (1%) are all within normal ranges 2
The differential percentages show a relatively balanced distribution with neutrophils 46% and lymphocytes 42%, which can be normal variation and does not indicate pathology 5, 2.
Platelet Parameters
Platelet parameters are normal with no evidence of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis 1, 3:
- Platelet count 316 × 10⁹/L is well within normal range (reference 140-419 × 10⁹/L) 2
- MPV 8.8 fL is normal, indicating normal platelet size and production 1, 3
Clinical Significance
No immediate clinical action is required based on these results alone 6, 5. The CBC provides no evidence of:
- Anemia requiring further evaluation 1
- Infection or inflammatory process 1, 5
- Immunodeficiency 1
- Hematologic malignancy such as leukemia 1
- Thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction 1
Correlation with clinical presentation remains essential 6, 5. If the patient has symptoms suggesting underlying disease (fatigue, recurrent infections, bleeding), further targeted evaluation would be warranted despite these normal laboratory values 1, 5.