blood count: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Medical; can be used in general, educated contexts when discussing health.
Quick answer
What does “blood count” mean?
A clinical test that measures the number and types of cells in a specific volume of blood.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clinical test that measures the number and types of cells in a specific volume of blood.
The quantitative result of such a test; a diagnostic tool used to assess general health, detect disorders like anaemia, infection, or leukaemia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. The concept and terminology are identical in medical contexts. 'Complete Blood Count' (CBC) is the more formal term universally used in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral, clinical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in professional medical settings in both regions. Slightly more frequent in UK public health communications (e.g., NHS materials).
Grammar
How to Use “blood count” in a Sentence
have/get a blood count (done)check/run a blood count (on)a blood count shows/reveals/indicates (that)the blood count came/came back (as/with)be based on/according to the blood countVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blood count” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The doctor will have the lab count the blood.
American English
- They need to count the cells in his blood sample.
adverb
British English
- The sample was analysed blood-count-wise.
American English
- The report was evaluated count-by-count.
adjective
British English
- The blood-count results are concerning.
American English
- Her blood-count numbers improved after treatment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in occupational health reports or insurance documents.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and health sciences literature.
Everyday
Common when discussing personal health, doctor's visits, or hospital procedures.
Technical
Standard, high-frequency term in all clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic medicine contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blood count”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blood count”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blood count”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They blood-counted me' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'blood test' (a broader category).
- Omitting the article: 'He needs blood count' (incorrect) vs. 'He needs a blood count'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'blood test' is a general term for any analysis of a blood sample. A 'blood count' (or CBC) is a specific type of blood test that quantifies the cells in your blood.
This depends on your health. For healthy adults, it might be part of an occasional check-up. For those with certain conditions, it may be monitored frequently as advised by a doctor.
Yes. A blood count primarily assesses cellular components. Other issues (hormonal, neurological, vitamin deficiencies not affecting cell counts, etc.) may not be reflected in a standard CBC.
Red blood cells (and related indices like haemoglobin), white blood cells (and their subtypes), and platelets.
A clinical test that measures the number and types of cells in a specific volume of blood.
Blood count is usually technical/medical; can be used in general, educated contexts when discussing health. in register.
Blood count: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblʌd ˌkaʊnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblʌd ˌkaʊnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none (technical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COUNT the BLOOD cells. Just like a headcount tells you how many people are in a room, a blood count tells you how many cells are in your blood.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS A BALANCED ACCOUNTING SYSTEM (e.g., 'your counts are off', 'low numbers', 'checking the balance').
Practice
Quiz
What does a 'low blood count' most specifically indicate?