What Does a Normal Complete Blood Count (CBC) Report Look Like for an Infant?
May 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Weiling
Introduction
The following are normal values for a routine blood test in infants:
- Hemoglobin (Hb): Normal levels are 120–160 g/L in males and 110–150 g/L in females.
- White blood cell (WBC) count: The normal total WBC count in adults is (4.0–10) × 10⁹/L.
When taking your baby to the hospital, a complete blood count (CBC) is commonly performed. What are the normal reference values for this test? The details are as follows:
① Hemoglobin (Hb)
Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. Iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are essential precursors for its synthesis. Normal hemoglobin levels are (120–160) g/L in adult males and (110–150) g/L in adult females.
Hemoglobin levels below the normal range indicate anemia. Elevated hemoglobin levels may occur in conditions such as polycythemia vera, or secondary to dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea.
② White Blood Cell (WBC) Count and Differential
The normal total WBC count in healthy adults is (4.0–10.0) × 109/L. The differential percentages are as follows: neutrophils (Gran) 50%–70%, lymphocytes 20%–40%, monocytes 3%–8%, eosinophils 0.5%–5%, and basophils 0%–1%.
Clinically, the total WBC count is generally used to assess whether the infant has a systemic infection, while the WBC differential helps determine the type of infection (e.g., bacterial vs. viral).
③ Platelet Count
The normal platelet count ranges from (100–300) × 109/L. Platelets play a critical role in hemostasis and blood coagulation. An elevated platelet count predisposes individuals to a hypercoagulable state and increases the risk of thrombosis; conversely, a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) increases susceptibility to bleeding manifestations such as epistaxis, gingival bleeding, petechiae, or ecchymoses.
