|
Complete Blood Count (also
known as CBC or hemogram): A series of tests which
evaluates the cellular components of blood (red blood cells, white blood cells
& platelets). Vets
often take this test to check for anaemia, infections & other health
problems.
Red blood cell count (RBC):
The number, size, shape & appearance of red blood cells in a volume of
blood.
Haemoglobin (Hb): The amount of haemoglobin
(the protein that enables the cells to carry oxygen) can be determined. The size
& shape of red blood cells is also analysed.
Hematocrit (Hct, packed cell
volume, PCV): Measures the percentage of a sample of blood which is occupied
by red blood cells.
White blood cell count
(WBC): The number of white blood cells (WBC) in a volume of blood.
White blood cell
differential: There are 5 types of white blood cells; the
granulocytes, which include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils & the
nongranuloctye white blood cells, lymphocytes and monocytes. The differential
determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell.
Platelet count (also called
thrombocytes): The number of platelets in a volume of blood.
Mean platelet volume (MPV): An
average size of the platelets in the blood.
Normal ranges for cats:
(these values are guidelines
only & may vary depending on the laboratory, analyser, breed, sex &
environment) *
|
RBC
(x106/µl) |
5-10 |
|
Haemoglobin (g/dl) |
8.0-15.0 |
|
MCV -
Mean Corpuscular Volume (fl) |
39-55 |
|
Hematocrit (PCV) (%) |
24-45 |
|
White
blood cell (/µl) |
5,500-19,500 |
|
Neutrophils (mature) (/µl) |
2,500-12,500 |
|
Neutrophils (bands) (/µl) |
0 - 300 |
|
Lymphocytes (/µl) |
1,500-7,000 |
|
Monocytes
(/µl) |
0-850 |
|
Eosinophils (/µl) |
0-1,500 |
|
Basophils
(/µl) |
rare |
|
Platelets (x 105/µl) |
3.0-8.0 |
|
Plasma
Proteins (g/dl) |
6.0-8.0 |
|
Fibrinogen (mg/dl) |
50-300 |
References:
The Comprehensive Veterinary
Dictionary - D. C. Blood & V. P. Studdert. |
