One specimen. Every cell line. A CBC is the hematology baseline you order for routine wellness checks and to support diagnosis and treatment selection across hematologic disorders. TLS offers it with an automated differential or without one, and nursing homes and long-term care facilities can order it alongside the rest of the blood menu.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test name | Complete Blood Count (CBC) |
| Also listed as | CBC w/ Auto Diff; CBC w/o Diff (with platelets) |
| Category | Hematology |
| Specimen | Blood |
| Turnaround | 24-48 hours from receipt of the sample (TLS blood testing) |
| Ordered by | Nursing homes and long-term care facilities |
What it detects
The CBC reports red cell, white cell and platelet parameters. The analytes below appear on TLS sample CBC reports.
| Group | Analytes |
|---|---|
| White cells | WBC |
| Red cells | RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit |
| Red cell indices | MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW |
| Platelets | Platelet count |
| Differential (CBC w/ Auto Diff) | Neutrophils %, lymphocytes %, monocytes %, eosinophils %, basophils % |
The CBC w/o Diff, with platelets, reports WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet count.
When to order it
- Routine wellness and checkup testing. The CBC is one of the basic screens for red flags that could compromise overall wellness.
- Hematologic work-ups. The TLS hematology menu supports diagnosis and treatment selection across a range of hematologic disorders.
- Resident monitoring in long-term care. Order it on the same requisition as CMP, BMP, lipid, thyroid or other blood panels, so one draw workflow covers the resident.
- Differential or no differential. Choose CBC w/ Auto Diff when you need the cell-type breakdown. Choose CBC w/o Diff when a count with indices and platelets is enough.
Specimen collection
- Specimen: Blood, collected by venipuncture.
- Tube selection: Follow the tube specified for the test. Whether a test needs plasma or serum depends on the analyte, so the tube color on the requisition is not a suggestion.
- Collection guide: TLS supplies partner facilities with a one-page CBC collection guide at no cost, printed and laminated. It covers patient prep, tube selection, step-by-step technique, stability windows, common mistakes and what to do when something goes wrong. A lab phone line is printed on the guide.
Minimum volume and stability limits are in the guide. Call the lab if you need them before your guide arrives.
Understanding the report
Each result prints with its units and reference range. Typical units on TLS sample reports are K/µL for WBC and platelets, M/µL for RBC, g/dL for hemoglobin and MCHC, % for hematocrit and differential values, fL for MCV and pg for MCH.
Out-of-range values are flagged (HIGH or LOW, or placed in an outside-range column), so abnormal results are visible at a glance. Reference ranges differ between sample reports, so interpret each result against the range printed on that patient’s report.
Why order it from Total Lab Solutions
- One lab for the whole menu. TLS offers 90+ blood tests and 9 hematology panels with one requisition workflow, one shipping process and one point of contact, so you do not need separate vendors for routine bloodwork.
- Collection support at no cost. Every partner facility gets the full library of one-page collection guides, including the CBC guide, in the same format: Patient Prep, Step-by-Step, Common Mistakes, Lab Phone Line.
- A defined blood turnaround. Results are available 24-48 hours from the time TLS receives the sample.
- Built for long-term care. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities can order CBC alongside the other tests in the skilled nursing lab services program.
Frequently asked questions
What components are included in a CBC and which parameters are reported with the differential?
The CBC reports WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet count. TLS sample reports with a differential also show RDW and neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils as percentages. You can order the CBC with an automated differential or without one.
What are the specimen requirements for a CBC, including tube type, minimum volume, and stability limits?
The specimen is blood. Tube selection, stability windows and handling are covered in the one-page TLS CBC collection guide provided to partner facilities at no cost. Tube color on the requisition matters, because plasma versus serum depends on the analyte. For minimum volume, call the lab at 248.800.6626 or 248.800.6656.
What is the typical turnaround time for CBC results, and is STAT testing available?
TLS blood results are available 24-48 hours from receipt of the sample. STAT availability is not specified in our published materials. Call 248.800.6626 or 248.800.6656 to ask about urgent needs.
What are the common causes of CBC abnormalities that should prompt a peripheral smear review or reflex testing?
The CBC report flags each out-of-range analyte as HIGH or LOW against the printed reference range, and interpretation stays with you. Smear review and reflex criteria are not defined in our published materials. Contact the lab to discuss a specific result or reflex request.
How do I set up a client account and order CBC testing through your Troy, Michigan lab, including interface and courier options?
TLS works with one requisition workflow, one shipping process and one point of contact. Interface and courier details are not published here. Contact TLS or call 248.800.6626 or 248.800.6656. The Troy lab is at 1250 Stephenson Hwy, Ste 200, Troy, MI 48083.
See the full testing panel menu for the other tests you can order with a CBC. Explore our tests
