Hematology

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Unit: k/μL, g/dL, fLID: CBC001

What This Test Measures

Blood cell counts: white (immune), red (oxygen), platelets (clotting)

Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range

Conventional "Normal"

WBC 3.4-10.8, RBC 4.5-5.9, Hgb 13.5-17.5 (men), 12-16 (women), Hct 38-50, MCV 80-100, Platelets 150-400 k/μL, g/dL, fL

Your doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range

Functional Optimal

WBC 3.8-6.0, RBC 4.8-5.5 (men), 4.3-4.8 (women), Hgb 14-16 (men), 13.5-14.5 (women), Hct 40-48 (men), 37-44 (women), MCV 82-89.9, Platelets 200-300 k/μL, g/dL, fL

This is where you actually feel great

The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.

Gabriel's Take

CBC is foundational. Gabriel interprets functionally: RBC/Hgb should sit in the optimal bands for oxygen delivery (not just "above minimum"). Low-normal Hgb (13.0 men, 12.0 women) = suboptimal energy. MCV under 82 can point to low iron, and above 90 to low B12 or folate (or alcohol, thyroid or liver causes). WBC 3.8-6.0 ideal (not 4-11). Platelets 200-300 optimal (extremes = clotting/bleeding risk).

When This Test Is High

High WBC: infection, leukemia; High RBC: polycythemia, dehydration; High platelets: clotting risk

When This Test Is Low

Low WBC: immunosuppression; Low RBC: anemia; Low platelets: bleeding risk

Related Conditions

Anemia, infections, leukemia, clotting disorders, immune dysfunction

Recommended Follow-Up

Interpret patterns: microcytic anemia (iron deficiency), macrocytic (B12/folate deficiency), etc.

Related Tests in Hematology

White Blood Cell Differential

Breakdown of white blood cell types (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils)

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