Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Everything You Should Know About It
As you fall ill and take more time to recover, you consult a doctor. The doctor interacts with you, does physical examinations, and recommends a few tests or screenings. A blood test or CBC can be one of them. You need to get the blood test in Greater Noida or your locality. Here, have a look at all aspects around CBC, complete blood count.
What is a complete blood count test?
A CBC test or complete blood count test is a very common and simple test to screen particular disorders that leave bad impacts on your health. It makes it clear whether there is an increase or decrease in the count of your blood cells. Normal values depend on your age and gender. This test can facilitate you know an extensive array of health conditions – infections and anaemia to cancer.
What does a complete blood count test analyse?
A CBC test analyses several components of your blood. These components are as follows:
- Red blood cells that carry oxygen
- White blood cells that fight against infection
- Haemoglobin a carrier of oxygen carrying protein in red blood cells
- Platelets that help your blood clot
- Haematocrit plasma in your blood
Why should you have a complete blood count test?
A CBC test is a highly useful test to know whether your blood is normal or abnormal. Your doctor usually will recommend it before or after a surgery. This test can help you detect the following health conditions:
- Anaemia (low iron)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Bleeding disorders
- Bone marrow problems
- Cancer
- Dehydration
- Heart disease
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Reaction to medication
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Why does your doctor recommend you take a CBC test?
Your doctor can recommend it as a part of your routine checkup or if you have unexplained signs like bruising or bleeding. This test can help your doctor:
- Evaluate your overall health
- Diagnose a health problem that could be tiredness, weakness, swelling, fever, redness, bleeding, or bruising
- Monitor a health problem
- Monitor your treatment
How should you prepare for the test?
A CBC test is a normal test. You can easily eat your meals and drink water, coffee or tea if you are going to have a blood test only for a complete blood count. You may need to avoid eating for a certain time if you have to take another test with a CBC test. Your doctor will advise you on when and how you should get the test.
What to expect during and after the CBC test?
For a complete blood count test, a pathologist will insert a needle attached with a syringe into a vein of your arm and take out a small amount of blood. Here is the complete procedure:
- Cleaning of your arm skin with antiseptic wipes
- Placement of an elastic band on the upper arm
- Needle insertion into a vein of your arm to withdraw a small amount of blood as a sample
- Needle and band removal
- Area covering with a bandage or cotton ball to stop bleeding
- Sample labelling and departure to a pathologist
- A light discomfort feel during the needle insertion and after removal
You can recover this discomfort within 1-2 days. Some of you might experience faint light headed while seeing your blood being taken out.
What are normal values of a CBC test?
The normal values of a complete blood count are different for males and females. Here, have a look at the normal values:
| Blood | Normal ranges |
| Red blood cells | Men – 4.5 million to 5.9 million cells/mcLWomen – 4.1 million to 5.1 million cells/mcL |
| White blood cells | 3,500 to 10,500 cells/mcL |
| Haemoglobin | Men – 14 to 17.5 grams per deciliter (gm/dL)Women – 12.3 to 15.3 gm/dL |
| Haematocrit | Men – 41.5% to 50.4%Women – 35.9% to 44.6% |
| Platelets | 150,000 to 450,000/mcL |
What are the benefits of a CBC test?
The results of a complete blood count help your doctor know your overall health. This test can detect hundreds of infections, disorders, and conditions. With it, your doctor can screen you for certain diseases, monitor your health, and plan or make changes in your treatment.
Are there any risks of a complete blood count test?
It is a common and safe test. In the test, an expert takes out only a small amount of blood from your body. In a very rare case, some of you feel a little faint or light headed.
When will you get your test results?
You will get your CBC test results within 1-2 working days.
When should you consult your doctor?
You don’t need to consult a doctor after the test if it is a part of your routine health checkup and the results are within the normal ranges. However, you must visit your doctor if you notice anything wrong or you have a query. You must show your test results to your doctor if the expert has recommended it to you.
