Interpretation of the complete blood count

This article is a broad overview of the complete blood count with emphasis on its interpretation and use in pediatricians' offices. Common methodologies for determining the complete blood count are reviewed and limitations that may have impact on interpretation are discussed. Each component of the complete blood count is defined (with age-appropriate normal ranges), and causes of abnormalities for each are presented. In addition, causes of anemia in newborn infants and in children between 6 months and 3 years of age are discussed. The concluding section describes the leukocyte and platelet count as indicators of underlying disorders.