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Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test

$29.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

HSA/FSA Accepted

A complete blood count (CBC) test is one of the most commonly performed blood tests and can provide important insight into your overall health by measuring red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. Read more

Test For: Ages 18-100

Quantity

What

Measures the amount of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets in your blood.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

The complete blood count (CBC) test is one of the most commonly performed blood tests and provides a broad overview of the different types of cells in your blood. It measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which play essential roles in carrying oxygen, supporting the immune system, and helping with normal blood clotting.

Because these blood components can be influenced by a wide range of factors, a CBC may be used by healthcare providers as part of routine or annual screening, to help evaluate symptoms such as fatigue or infection, or to monitor known health conditions over time. It can also provide useful information when someone is being treated for certain medical conditions by helping providers understand how the body is responding.

A CBC does not diagnose a specific condition on its own. Instead, it provides measurable data that may help identify patterns such as low red blood cell levels, changes in immune cell counts, or variations in platelet levels. These findings can sometimes be associated with conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or other blood-related disorders, but results must always be interpreted in context with a person’s symptoms, medical history, and other findings. Following up with a healthcare provider can help determine whether any additional testing or evaluation may be appropriate.

No doctor’s visit needed. Buy this CBC blood test, visit a nearby Quest location, and get fast results.

Sample type: Blood
Test type: In Person
Find Patient Service Centers
Test For: Ages 18-100

Preparation: No special preparation is required.

This test may be right for you if any of the following are true:

You are interested in routine health screening and want a broader picture of your overall health
You are curious about the levels of components that make up your blood
You want to establish a baseline of important health markers as part of a proactive approach to your health
You are looking for insights into your immune system health
You have been diagnosed with a blood disorder, such as anemia, and want to monitor your results

A complete blood count (CBC) measures several important components of your blood and can provide insight into your overall health. It may help identify signs of conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, immune system disorders, or certain blood-related conditions. The test evaluates red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body; white blood cells, which help fight infection; and platelets, which support normal blood clotting. A CBC also measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, and additional markers that can help your healthcare provider better understand your blood cell health and function.

The presence of red blood cells may indicate the presence of a health condition, such as kidney or liver disease, a urinary tract infection, or another urinary disorder.

Hemoglobin is the primary protein found in red blood cells and is responsible for the bright red color of our blood. Hemoglobin attaches to oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules, delivering oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body, and carrying away excess carbon dioxide.

Hematocrit is the portion of your total blood volume taken up by red blood cells. This is different from the red blood cell count. Hematocrit is expressed as a percentage based on the number and size of red blood cells. This value can indicate whether your blood contains an abnormally low, or high, proportion of red blood cells in relation to white blood cells and platelets.

The mean corpuscular volume is a measurement used to describe the average size of red blood cells.

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin value represents the average amount of hemoglobin contained in each red blood cell.

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration measures the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell relative to the size of the cell.

The red cell distribution width indicates the range of size variation and similarity of your red blood cells.

A platelet count measures the number of platelets per microliter in your blood sample. Platelets, alternatively referred to as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that assist in stopping bleeding by swelling and clumping together to create a clot. Additionally, platelets store and transport a variety of substances such as serotonin, epinephrine, and histamine.

The mean platelet volume (MPV) measures the average size of platelets in your blood. MPV is associated with exercise performance, but it also plays a role in blood clotting and inflammation.

These are the infection-fighting cells: the presence of white blood cells in the urine indicates a bacterial infection in the urinary tract or kidneys.

Neutrophils, a type of granulocyte, are the most prevalent form of white blood cells, accounting for more than half of the quantity in your body. These cells travel to the site of an infection, where they consume the pathogen and release enzymes to eliminate it. Additionally, neutrophils enhance the response of other immune cells.

There are 2 types of lymphocytes, B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies in response to bacteria, viruses, and toxins. T cells destroy the body's own cells that have been infected with viruses or have developed cancer. Both types of cells protect against future invasions of bacteria, viruses, and parasites by generating antibodies.

Monocytes are the largest cells in the blood. They travel through the bloodstream to tissues throughout the body, becoming either a macrophage or dendritic cell. Macrophages ingest harmful microbes, remove dead cells, and trigger an immune response. Dendritic cells are responsible for capturing, transporting, and presenting antigens derived from pathogens to immune cells that can fight them.

Eosinophils, a type of granulocyte, are found in the bloodstream and the lining of various organs. These disease-fighting white blood cells contain proteins to help the body fight bacterial and parasitic infections. However, if eosinophil levels rise too high, they can contribute to allergic reactions and other inflammatory responses in the body.

Basophils, a type of granulocyte, are present in both the blood and tissues, and like other white blood cells, they help protect the body against harmful substances. Importantly, basophils play a role in releasing antibodies that can fight bacteria and parasites like fungi, tick-borne diseases, and worms. These WBCs also contain heparin, which prevents blood from excessive clotting, and histamine, which increases blood flow to tissues. Like eosinophils, if their numbers climb too high, they can contribute to allergies and other inflammatory reactions in the body.

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 10 and 100 years old. If this test will be performed on someone less than 18 years old:

The appropriate age bracket needs to be selected during purchase
Both parent/guardian (hereinafter "parent") and patient information will need to be provided during test registration
Both parent and patient must be present for sample collection, the parent will need to have their identification available at collection
Results will be provided to the listed parent

Sample collection: This test requires sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile® where available, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection is not available in AZ, HI, or PR.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, testing may not be available in all locations. Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

Please note: Laboratory testing for children under 18 years of age should always be conducted with the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Our tests are designed to support continuity of care, ease of access, and empower families with accessible health information. They are not a substitute for medical evaluation or ongoing care from a pediatrician. Parents should review test results with their child's healthcare provider to ensure appropriate interpretation, follow-up, and treatment in the context of the rest of your child's care. If your child is experiencing symptoms or you have concerns about their health, please contact your pediatrician or seek other medical care immediately.

No special preparation is required.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If you have or create a MyQuest® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

If this test is performed on someone less than 18 years old, the results will be provided to the registered parent.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 150+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

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No doctor visit is required for purchase, but an independent healthcare provider is involved throughout the process.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

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+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Please note: Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

FAQs

Are there other names for a Complete Blood Count test?

Yes, the Complete Blood Count may also be referred to as CBC, Complete Blood Count with Differential, CBC with Diff, Blood Cell Count, or Full Blood Count.

What is the difference between a complete blood count with differential and a standard CBC?

A standard CBC counts the overall amount of white blood cells without distinguishing between the different types of WBCs. A CBC with differential classifies and measures the individual amounts of the 5 different types of WBCs: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Is anemia the same as an iron deficiency?

No, anemia is caused by insufficient levels of hemoglobin, whereas a lack of iron causes iron deficiency.

It's possible to have an iron deficiency while maintaining a normal hemoglobin level despite your body being deficient in iron. However, a person with iron deficiency anemia has neither sufficient levels of hemoglobin nor iron. It's important to note that anemia can also be caused by issues other than iron imbalance, such as blood loss, inflammation, other nutrient deficiencies, and certain health conditions.

Can a CBC test help detect anemia?

A CBC may help identify signs commonly associated with anemia, including low hemoglobin or hematocrit levels. Additional testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause.

Does this CBC include a white blood cell differential?

Yes. This CBC includes a white blood cell differential, which measures the different types of white blood cells in your blood.

Can dehydration affect CBC results?

Yes. Hydration status may affect certain blood measurements, including hematocrit and hemoglobin levels.

How often should I get a CBC test?

Testing frequency depends on your health history, symptoms, medications, and healthcare provider recommendations. Many adults receive CBC testing as part of routine wellness care.

Can infections affect CBC results?

Yes. Certain infections may affect white blood cell counts and other blood markers.

Why is this test only available for children 10 years of age or older?

Quest has worked with independent physicians to define appropriate age eligibility ranges for each test. These ranges ensure that our offerings are medically responsible and suitable for self-directed use. We plan to review age eligibility for our tests over time as more data and guidance becomes available.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Are tests purchased from questhealth.com covered by my health insurance?

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are intended for individuals paying directly—we do not bill insurance, and purchases cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement.

If your doctor ordered a lab test for you and you are looking to book an appointment for sample collection, you can schedule an appointment here https://appointment.questdiagnostics.com/as-home.

For other questions related to a lab test your doctor ordered for you, including billing and results, you can visit the main Quest Diagnostics site here https://www.questdiagnostics.com.

I already have a doctor’s order for a lab test, is this where I pay for it?

No. questhealth.com is designed for purchasing tests directly—no doctor’s visit is needed and physician oversight of testing is included with your order from questhealth.com.

If your doctor ordered a lab test for you and you are looking to book an appointment for sample collection, you can schedule an appointment here https://appointment.questdiagnostics.com/as-home.

For other questions related to a lab test your doctor ordered for you, including billing and results, you can visit the main Quest Diagnostics site here https://www.questdiagnostics.com or reach out to your personal physician’s office/insurance company.

Our references

MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC). Accessed June 18, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/complete-blood-count-cbc/

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test