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Match the test to your blood-cell question

Each of these answers a different blood question — cell counts, chemistry alongside them, or a targeted study.

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Hematology tests examine the cells and cell-related measurements in blood, including white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and reticulocytes. People compare these options when a prior result, symptoms, family history, or clinician discussion raises a question about blood-cell production, oxygen-carrying capacity, platelets, or a hemoglobin-related condition. Start by deciding whether you need a Complete Blood Count / CBC (includes Differential and Platelets), a CBC paired with metabolic measurements, or a targeted test such as a Reticulocyte Count or Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Comprehensive Evaluation.

What a blood count measures

The Complete Blood Count / CBC (includes Differential and Platelets) measures white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, and platelet volume. Red-cell indices—MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW—describe cell size, hemoglobin amount, hemoglobin concentration, and variation in red-cell size. Its differential reports neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils in both percentage and absolute forms. Looking at the pattern matters: a single value outside its reference interval does not establish a cause, while related counts and indices help frame a productive discussion with a healthcare professional.

When metabolic measurements add useful detail

CBC & CMP combines the blood-cell measurements with glucose, urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, eGFR, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, calcium, total protein, albumin, globulin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, and ALT. That combination is useful when the question extends beyond cell counts to fluid and electrolyte balance, protein levels, or organ-associated measurements. Creatinine and eGFR are interpreted together because muscle mass influences creatinine. AST and ALT can rise after strenuous exercise, so recent activity is relevant when reviewing an unexpected result. These values provide additional clinical information but do not explain an abnormal blood count by themselves.

Focused tests answer narrower blood questions

A Reticulocyte Count reports automated and absolute reticulocyte values, reflecting young red blood cells released into circulation. It helps distinguish a question about current red-cell production from a question about the number or size of circulating cells. The Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Comprehensive Evaluation is a targeted option for a hemoglobinopathy-related question. Sickle Cell Screen with Reflex to Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation begins with a sickle cell screen and includes reflex evaluation as named in the test. JAK2 V617F Mutation Analysis looks specifically for the JAK2 V617F mutation. Results from these focused studies warrant professional review, particularly when symptoms, family history, or prior abnormal findings are involved.

Blood & Hematology FAQ

Hematology tests measure blood cells and related findings, such as red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, platelet count, and reticulocytes. A differential further separates white cells into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Those measurements help describe blood-cell amounts, proportions, and red-cell characteristics rather than diagnosing a condition on their own.

The Complete Blood Count / CBC (includes Differential and Platelets) focuses on blood cells, red-cell indices, platelet count, and white-cell types. CBC & CMP includes those results plus glucose, BUN, creatinine, eGFR, electrolytes, calcium, proteins, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, and ALT. The added results are useful when a clinician discussion involves blood counts alongside metabolic or organ-associated measurements.

Hemoglobin and hematocrit describe the hemoglobin content and proportion of blood occupied by red cells, while MCV describes average red-cell size. RDW reports how much red-cell size varies. A pattern across these values is more informative than one result alone; for example, differing cell sizes can change the meaning of an average cell-size result. Professional review helps connect the pattern with symptoms and history.

A differential shows the distribution of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, alongside their absolute counts. A total white blood cell count alone does not show which cell type is driving a higher or lower result. Percentages also need the absolute count for perspective, because a percentage can shift when another white-cell group changes.

A Reticulocyte Count measures automated and absolute reticulocyte values, which reflect young red blood cells in circulation. It is useful when the practical question is whether the body is releasing red cells, not simply how many red cells are present. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, MCV, and reticulocytes are often interpreted together to understand the overall pattern.

Platelet count reports the number of platelets, while MPV reports mean platelet volume, or average platelet size. Neither result independently identifies the reason for an abnormality. Reviewing both alongside the CBC differential and clinical history gives a fuller picture of platelet-related findings. Urgent symptoms or a markedly unexpected result should be discussed promptly with a healthcare professional.

Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Comprehensive Evaluation is intended for a thalassemia or hemoglobinopathy-focused question, such as one raised by family history or prior blood findings. Sickle Cell Screen with Reflex to Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation starts with a sickle cell screen and reflexes to hemoglobinopathy evaluation. These studies address a different question than red-cell counts alone, and results need professional interpretation.

JAK2 V617F Mutation Analysis looks for the specifically named JAK2 V617F mutation. It is a focused molecular analysis, not a replacement for blood-cell counts, symptom assessment, or clinical evaluation. A detected or not-detected result does not establish a diagnosis by itself; the meaning depends on the reason for testing and related findings reviewed by a qualified professional.

No. D-Dimer with CBC measures quantitative D-dimer alongside blood-cell counts, including platelets, hemoglobin, and the white blood cell differential. D-dimer reflects fibrin breakdown and can be elevated for more than one reason, so it is not interpreted as a standalone confirmation of a clotting condition. New or severe symptoms require timely medical evaluation rather than self-interpretation of laboratory results.

Ordering & Results FAQ

You'll receive it via email within 60 seconds of your order unless it requires additional processing (only very complex orders do).

Many general wellness test results are typically available online within 2-3 business days. However, some tests will require additional processing time. You will immediately receive an email & SMS notification when your results are available.

We do not share your results with your physician, insurance company, or any other third party.

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