Clinical and Interpretive

RBCs, WBCs, and platelets are produced in the bone marrow and released into the peripheral blood. The primary function of the RBC is to deliver oxygen to tissues. WBCs are key components of the immune system. Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measure of the size of the average RBC. Anemias are characterized as microcytic (MCV <80), macrocytic (MCV >100), or normocytic. The red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the degree of variation in RBC size (anisocytosis). RDW may be helpful in distinguishing between some anemias. For example, iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a high RDW, while thalassemia is characterized by a low RDW. Results outside of normal value ranges may reflect a primary disorder of the cell-producing organs or an underlying disease.

Results should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s clinical picture and appropriate additional testing performed.

Please note, a leukocyte differential will not be performed. If a differential is desired, please order CBC auto diff (test code CBCD) instead.