What Does a Normal Complete Blood Count (CBC) Report Look Like for an Infant?
May 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Weiling
Introduction
Normal laboratory test values for infants:
Hemoglobin:
- Males: 120–160 g/L
- Females: 110–150 g/L
White blood cell (WBC) count and differential:
- Total WBC count in adults: (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
Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. Iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are essential nutrients required 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%.
Clinicians generally first assess whether the infant has a systemic infection based on the total WBC count, and then determine the likely type of infection (e.g., bacterial vs. viral) by analyzing the WBC differential.
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, whereas a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may lead to bleeding manifestations such as epistaxis, gingival bleeding, petechiae, or ecchymoses.
