Complete Blood Count (CBC) — Haematology Profile

The complete blood count (CBC) is the most widely ordered laboratory test in medicine and the cornerstone of any health screen. At Laboratoře Mikrochem, the CBC is processed on validated automated haematology analysers using the combined impedance and optical scatter method — the same technology used in hospital haematology departments — delivering a 22-parameter report covering red cell indices, white blood cell count with five-part differential, and platelet parameters. The panel is performed daily in the ISO 15189-accredited Olomouc laboratory, with results available within 2 working days. No fasting is required, and no physician referral is needed for self-paying patients. Walk-in blood draws start at 07:00 at the main laboratory and 06:30 at the nearby Janského Street collection point — both in Olomouc.

The complete blood count (CBC) with differential is the reference screening test for evaluating the cellular components of blood. Laboratoře Mikrochem processes CBC samples on modern automated haematology analysers using impedance cell counting combined with optical scatter analysis — a dual-method approach that delivers accurate counts even for abnormal or immature cell populations, and automatically flags samples that require morphological review. The red cell parameters provide a detailed picture of oxygen-carrying capacity: RBC count, haemoglobin concentration, and haematocrit give the headline numbers, while MCV (mean corpuscular volume), MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin), and MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) reveal the morphological type of any anaemia — microcytic/hypochromic patterns suggest iron deficiency; macrocytic patterns suggest B12 or folate deficiency; normocytic patterns with low reticulocytes suggest chronic disease or bone marrow suppression. RDW (red cell distribution width) adds information about cell size variability — elevated RDW alongside low MCV is highly specific for iron deficiency before haemoglobin has dropped. The five-part differential leukocyte count is a key marker for immune status. Neutrophilia suggests active bacterial infection or physiological stress; lymphocytosis is common in viral infection; eosinophilia may indicate allergic disease, parasitic infection, or certain haematological conditions. Monocyte and basophil counts complete the picture. Platelet count and MPV (mean platelet volume) assess haemostatic capacity and may flag thrombocytopenia or signs of platelet hyperactivation. All analytical runs are governed by Westgard QC rules with daily internal controls; the laboratory participates in the SEKK external quality assessment scheme covering haematology. Results are cross-validated by medical laboratory specialists before release. The CBC is used as a baseline test in virtually every clinical situation: pre-operative assessment, monitoring of patients on chemotherapy, anticoagulants, or immunosuppressants, evaluation of fatigue and malaise, investigation of recurrent infections, and as the annual health check starting point for adults over 40. Self-paying patients at Laboratoře Mikrochem need no physician referral. Walk-in draws are available from 07:00 Monday to Friday at the main Olomouc site, or from 06:30 at the Janského collection point — no advance booking needed.