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CBC (Complete Blood Count) explained
The CBC is the most basic screening: red cells, white cells and platelets reveal infection, anemia, inflammation and clotting. Don't panic at single arrows — vets read patterns and trends.
🧾 Before the test
- ✓Usually no fasting needed (fast if drawn together with chemistry)
- ✓Avoid strenuous exercise before the draw
- ✓Mention any medications
📊 Reading the key values
| Search | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| WBC (white cells) | Infection, inflammation or stress (common in stressed cats) | Late viral infection, bone-marrow issues — read with the differential |
| Neutrophils | Bacterial infection, inflammation | Severe consumption, drug effects |
| Lymphocytes | Excitement/stress (cats), chronic infection | Chronic stress, steroids |
| RBC / Hemoglobin | Relative rise from dehydration | Anemia: bleeding, hemolysis or poor production — find the cause |
| Hematocrit (HCT) | Dehydration | Main anemia gauge (cats below 20% is severe) |
| Platelets | Reactive increase | Bleeding risk, immune thrombocytopenia, or clumping artifact |
| Eosinophils | Parasites, allergy | Stress, steroids |
💡 How to read it A single mild outlier in a well pet is usually re-checked in 2-4 weeks for trend; multiple abnormal values or large deviations need deeper work-up.
🤖 AI report interpretation
Type the values from your report below (e.g. “ALT 250, BUN 40”) and the AI will interpret them against each test’s reference meanings.
FAQ
Does the blood draw hurt?
Similar to human blood draws — from a front leg or the neck, after a small clip. Most pets need only gentle restraint.
Does cat stress skew results?
Yes — stress raises glucose and WBC in cats. Vets cross-check multiple values and may re-test.
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