A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that provides information about your blood and overall health. A wide range of diseases, ailments, disorders, and infections can be diagnosed, monitored, and screened using CBCs.
What exactly is the complete blood count (CBC)?
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. The blood cells are measured and counted during a CBC. It helps doctors in detecting a variety of diseases and ailments. It also looks for indicators of pharmaceutical side effects in your blood. A sample of your blood is taken and sent to a lab by your provider. A series of tests is performed in the lab to assess your blood cells. These tests assist your doctor in keeping overall track of your health.
When should a CBC test be done?
You may need a CBC test if you experience symptoms like these-
- Bleeding or bruising
- Weakness, fatigue, or dizziness
- Fever, nausea, and vomiting
- Joint pain
- Inflammation (swelling and discomfort) anywhere in the body
- Heart rate or blood pressure problems
Why do healthcare professionals order CBC tests?
A CBC test is a vital component of a yearly physical examination. CBCs are also ordered by doctors to track the side effects of some prescribed drugs or to detect the following-
- Changes in your blood that could indicate sickness
- Diagnose many different illnesses, diseases, and infections
- Distinguish between conditions, disorders, and diseases
- Examine your general health
- Keep track of different blood disorders
What does a CBC test examine?
The red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are all measured and studied by a CBC test. The body's oxygen is carried by red blood cells. Your immune system contains white blood cells. They aid in the fight against infection in your body. Platelets aid in the clotting process in the body.
Many aspects of your blood are measured, counted, evaluated, and studied by a CBC:
- The total amount of white blood cells is counted by CBC without differential
- White blood cells are of five varieties. CBC with differential examines the number of each type of white blood cell in your body.
- Hemoglobin tests determine the amount of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
- The number of red blood cells in your blood is measured by hematocrit
A CBC informs your healthcare professional that:
- How many new blood cells are produced by your body
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets are all counted
- Blood cell size and shape
What does a CBC blood test detect?
Your provider can use a CBC blood test to diagnose a variety of illnesses, disorders, diseases, and infections, including:
- Anemia- A condition in which the body's red blood cells are insufficient to transport oxygen throughout the body
- Myelodysplastic syndromes- Bone marrow diseases
- Infections or other issues that result in an unusually low or high white blood cell count
- Cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma
- Disorders like agranulocytosis, thalassemias, and sickle cell anaemia
- Side effects of chemotherapy and certain pharmaceutical drugs
- Vitamins and minerals deficiencies
What happens during a CBC test? Does it need any preparation?
To prepare for a CBC test, you don't need to do anything. A needle is inserted after your provider cleans your arm. The needle may sting or pinch, but it should not be painful. The needle is frequently inserted into the baby's heel in babies.
Your provider takes a sample of your blood and collects it in a tube using a needle. Your provider may require more than one tube of blood.
Your physician will remove the needle and apply a bandage to your arm after extracting blood. Your blood is sent to a lab by your doctor. Your body's blood supply is immediately restored.
When should one expect the test results?
Within a few days, the results are usually available. Results can sometimes be obtained in as little as 24 hours. Your healthcare professional will call you to discuss the results and next steps. If your blood cell counts are abnormally high, your doctor may prescribe additional tests.
Typical ranges of a complete count are-
Normal range of hemoglobin
13.0 – 17.0 g/dL in males (15+), 11.5-15.5 g/dL in females (15+)
Normal hematocrit range
40 to 55 percent of men, 36-48 percent female
Adult platelet count range
150,000 – 400,000/mL
Normal range of white blood cells (WBC)
Adult: 5,000-10,000/mL
Final note
CBC test price may vary lab to lab. You can browse CBC test near me and compare the price. CBC blood tests are an important part of sustaining general health. A CBC can diagnose diseases early, sometimes even before symptoms appear, allowing treatment to begin as soon as feasible.​
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
