How to interpret blood test results
Nov 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
The normal range is approximately 4–10 × 10⁹/L. Elevated levels may indicate infection, inflammation, or a stress state; decreased levels may be associated with reduced immunity or abnormal bone marrow hematopoietic function, and further evaluation in conjunction with other indicators is required. The normal range for adult males is approximately 4.3–5.8 × 10¹²/L and for adult females approximately 3.8–5.1 × 10¹²/L.
When reviewing a complete blood count (CBC), key parameters to focus on include white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, and neutrophil percentage. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: The normal range is approximately 4–10 × 10⁹/L. Elevated levels may indicate infection, inflammation, or a stress response; decreased levels may be associated with reduced immunity or abnormal bone marrow function, and should be evaluated in conjunction with other indicators.
2. Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: The normal range for adult males is about 4.3–5.8 × 10¹²/L and for adult females is about 3.8–5.1 × 10¹²/L. Low values may suggest anemia, leading to fatigue and pallor; high values may be related to hypoxia, dehydration, or certain blood disorders, and require clinical correlation for interpretation.
3. Hemoglobin Concentration: The normal range for adult males is about 130–175 g/L and for adult females is about 120–155 g/L. This parameter directly reflects the presence of anemia—values below the normal range confirm anemia, with lower values indicating more severe anemia. Further evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause.
4. Platelet Count: The normal range is approximately 125–350 × 10⁹/L. Low platelet counts may increase the risk of bleeding, such as gum bleeding or skin bruising; elevated counts may raise the risk of thrombosis and are commonly seen in infections, inflammation, or myeloproliferative disorders. Monitoring dynamic changes is important.
5. Neutrophil Percentage: The normal range is about 40%–75%. An increased percentage is often associated with bacterial infections and serves as a key indicator in determining the type of infection; a decreased percentage may suggest viral infection, low immunity, or drug effects, and should be assessed together with the total white blood cell count.
Blood test interpretation should be based on the complete report and clinical symptoms; conclusions should not be drawn from a single parameter alone. If abnormalities are found, consult a physician promptly to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. Individuals undergoing regular check-ups can compare results over time to monitor trends in their blood parameters, aiding in long-term health assessment.
