Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Biometría hemática completa

Also: Biometría hemática completa (BHC) (regional variant)

In 9 languages

LanguageTerm
EnglishComplete Blood Count (CBC)
Spanish (Español) Biometría hemática completa
Chinese (中文) 全血細胞計數
Korean (한국어) 전혈구검사
Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) Xét nghiệm công thức máu toàn phần
Filipino (Tagalog) Kumpletong Bilang ng Dugo
Portuguese (Português) Hemograma completo
Thai (ภาษาไทย) การตรวจนับเม็ดเลือดสมบูรณ์
Japanese (日本語) 全血球計算

What it means

A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests ordered by doctors. It measures the number and types of cells in your blood, including red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which help blood clot). A laboratory technician draws a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. Results help doctors diagnose anemia, infections, bleeding disorders, and certain cancers. Your doctor reviews the counts alongside normal reference ranges to decide if further testing or treatment is needed.

How to say it

Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:

My doctor ordered a complete blood count — what does that test check?

Mi médico ordenó una biometría hemática completa — ¿qué revisa esa prueba?

Do I need to fast before my CBC blood draw?

¿Necesito ayunar antes de que me saquen sangre para la biometría hemática?

My CBC showed my white blood cell count is high — what does that mean?

Mi biometría mostró que tengo los glóbulos blancos altos — ¿qué significa eso?

Where you'll see it

lab reportchartdischarge summary

Related terms

Sources

US Glossary Español A–Z US Codes United States

Last reviewed: September 2026