Blood Test Abbreviations Explained: CBC and CMP Terms
Content last reviewed 2026-09-12 · Educational information — not medical advice
Quick answer
Blood test reports are dense with abbreviations — WBC, RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, MPV, BUN, eGFR. Most come from two panels: the CBC (blood count) and the CMP (metabolic panel). This guide decodes the common ones so you can read your results with confidence.
What do the CBC abbreviations mean?
The CBC, or complete blood count, covers the three families of blood cells. Each abbreviation is a specific measurement:
| Abbreviation | Stands for | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| WBC | White blood cells | Infection and immune response |
| RBC | Red blood cells | Oxygen-carrying cells |
| Hgb | Hemoglobin | Oxygen-carrying protein |
| Hct | Hematocrit | Red cell volume percentage |
| MCV | Mean corpuscular volume | Average red cell size |
| MCH / MCHC | Mean corpuscular hemoglobin | Hemoglobin per cell and per volume |
| RDW | Red cell distribution width | Variation in red cell size |
| PLT | Platelets | Clotting cells |
| MPV | Mean platelet volume | Average platelet size |
These lines work together — a low hemoglobin with a low MCV tells a different story than a low hemoglobin with a high MCV.
What do the CMP abbreviations stand for?
The CMP, or comprehensive metabolic panel, checks your metabolism, kidneys, liver, and electrolytes. Common abbreviations include BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine for kidney function, eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) for how well your kidneys filter, Na (sodium), K (potassium), Cl (chloride), and CO2 for electrolytes, plus glucose for blood sugar. Liver lines appear as ALP, ALT, AST, and bilirubin. Albumin and total protein round out the panel. The BMP is the shorter version — it skips the liver lines.
Why do abbreviations and ranges vary between labs?
Reference ranges vary by lab, age, sex, and pregnancy — there is no single universal number for most markers. A value flagged as out of range on one report might sit inside the normal band on another. That is why your doctor reads results against the specific range printed on your own report, not against a number you found online. Trends across visits matter more than any single reading, and a borderline result on one test rarely means anything on its own.
Which abbreviations matter most for common conditions?
- Anemia: Hgb, Hct, MCV, RDW, plus ferritin and iron studies
- Kidney function: BUN, creatinine, eGFR
- Diabetes: glucose and HbA1c
- Liver: ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin
- Infection: WBC and the differential
If a line confuses you, ask your doctor or the lab — that is what they are there for. Knowing what each abbreviation stands for is the first step to understanding what your results actually say.
Order this test online
Direct-access laboratory testing — no appointment or doctor visit required. Results delivered as secure PDFs.
We may earn a commission when you order through partner links. Educational content only — never a substitute for professional medical advice.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What does MCV stand for on a blood test?
MCV means mean corpuscular volume, the average size of your red blood cells. It helps tell whether anemia is from small cells or large cells.
Is eGFR the same as creatinine?
No. Creatinine is a waste product your kidneys filter; eGFR is a calculated estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering, derived from creatinine, age, and sex.