What is the Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test?

In India, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a common blood test that helps check your overall health. It counts the main cells in your blood, like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Doctors usually ask for a CBC during routine health checkups or if you have symptoms like tiredness, fever, or weakness. This test helps find issues like anaemia or infections and checks if medicines or treatments are affecting your blood.

A complete blood count (CBC) is a test that counts the cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Your doctor may request a CBC as part of a routine checkup, or to:

• Check for anaemia, when you have fewer red blood cells than normal.
• Determine if you have another health problem or explain symptoms such as weakness, fever, bruises, or feeling weary.
• Keep a watch on blood conditions.
• Examine how drugs, medical conditions, or treatments, such as chemotherapy, influence your blood.

What is the purpose of CBC?

A CBC test checks your blood health. It measures red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets, and more. This test helps find problems like infections and anaemia. It can also show if your platelet count is low. Doctors use CBC results to diagnose issues and track treatments. It helps catch health problems early. A CBC test is simple, fast, and gives important information about your body. Regular tests can help doctors provide better care.

How is a CBC performed?

If the CBC is the only blood test you're having, you can eat and drink normally. Participation in the test is simple and takes only a few minutes. A nurse or lab technician will pierce a needle into a vein in your arm to gather blood. After that, you can resume your regular schedule. They will send the blood to a lab for analysis.

What will a CBC test reveal about me?

The test can give your doctor information about your overall health. It evaluates:

1. WBC or white blood cells: These aid your body's ability to resist infections. If you have an excess of them, it could indicate inflammation, infection, a medical reaction, or another health problem. If it's low, you can be at a higher risk of infection. A low count could be caused by a medicine, a viral infection, or a bone marrow disorder.

2. Red Blood Cells (RBC): These transport oxygen throughout the body. They also help to transport carbon dioxide. If your RBC count is abnormally low, you could have anaemia or another illness.

3. Hemoglobin (Hb, Hgb): This is the protein in your blood that stores oxygen.

4. Hematocrit (HCt): This test determines how much of your blood is composed of red blood cells. A low score could indicate that you don't have enough iron, a mineral that helps your body produce red blood cells. A high score could indicate that you are dehydrated or have another ailment.

5. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): Your red blood cells are about this size average. If they are larger than normal, your MCV will increase. This could happen if you don't have enough vitamin B12 or folate. If your red blood cells are smaller, you may have anaemia.

6. Platelets: Platelets are vital for blood clotting and wound healing. If you’ve been wondering how to improve your platelet count naturally, small changes in your diet and lifestyle can make a big difference. Explore these simple and effective tips here: Ways to increase platelet count naturally.

How will I read my CBC results?

When you receive your report, you will see two columns: a "reference range" and your findings. If your findings are within the reference range, they are considered normal. If your findings fall outside of the reference range, they are abnormal. Mild anaemia is one of the most prevalent reasons your results may be incorrect.

Each lab uses a different method to examine your blood. So the reference range will be determined by the lab that performs your blood tests. It is also based on factors that can influence your blood, such as your age, gender, and elevation above sea level.

Broadly, the reference ranges include:

Normal CBC (Complete Blood Count) ranges can vary slightly, but here’s a general idea for adults:

• WBC (White Blood Cells): 4,000 to 10,000 cells per mcL
• RBC (Red Blood Cells): 4.0 to 5.4 million cells per mcL (for people AFAB or taking estrogen) or 4.5 to 6.1 million cells per mcL (for people AMAB or taking testosterone)
• Haemoglobin (Hb): 11.5 to 15.5 g/dL (AFAB/taking estrogen) or 13 to 17 g/dL (AMAB/taking testosterone)
• Hematocrit (Hct): 36% to 48% (AFAB/taking estrogen) or 40% to 55% (AMAB/taking testosterone)
• MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): 80 to 100 fL
• MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin): 27 to 31 pg per cell
• MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration): 32 to 36 g/dL
• RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width): 12% to 15%
• Platelet Count: 150,000 to 400,000 cells per mcL
• MPV (Mean Platelet Volume): 7.0 fL to 9.0 fL
• Neutrophils: 2,500 to 7,000 per mcL
• Lymphocytes: 1,000 to 4,800 per mcL
• Monocytes: 200 to 800 per mcL
• Eosinophils: Less than 500 per mcL
• Basophils: Less than 300 per mcL
• Immature Granulocytes: Less than 100 mcL
• NRBC (Nucleated RBCs): Less than 10 mcL

What other information can the CBC test tell about me?

Your doctor may prescribe more tests to determine if you have a disease or a blood issue, including:

1. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin determines how much haemoglobin is in a typical red blood cell.

2. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the quantity of haemoglobin in a given volume of blood.

3. The red cell distribution width (RDW) measures how much your red blood cells vary in size.

4. The reticulocyte count test detects the number of immature red blood cells in your body.

5. The mean platelet volume (MPV) result indicates the average size of the platelets in your blood.

6. The platelet distribution width (PDW) measures how many of your platelets vary in size.

7. White blood cells are divided into five types: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. This test reveals how many of each type you have.

What are the side effects of CBC?

A CBC test is safe and quick. You may feel a small prick when the needle is used. Bruising or tenderness can happen at the blood draw site. Some people feel dizzy or lightheaded after the test. These effects usually go away soon. Infection or prolonged bleeding is rare. If you feel uncomfortable, let your doctor know.

Conclusion

A CBC test gives a quick snapshot of your health, and TruePal's at-home diagnostics make it convenient to access. If your results show any unusual levels, like low or high counts, your doctor may suggest further tests or treatments. The report compares your levels to normal ranges, which vary from person to person. Though a CBC doesn’t directly measure kidney function, it can provide helpful clues when paired with other tests. After the blood draw, you may have a tiny bruise on your arm, but it’s minor and goes away soon.

FAQs

1. What are the following steps if my CBC results are abnormal?

If your results are outside other reference ranges, consult your provider to see what they might imply. They may order additional testing or begin a treatment plan. Alternatively, you may not require therapy, only monitoring.

2. Does the CBC reveal how well my kidney functions?

A CBC does not directly indicate how well your kidneys are functioning. However, certain figures, such as lymphocytes and MCV, coupled with other tests, might help your doctor obtain a better picture of how effectively your kidneys are functioning.

3. When should I get the results of my CBC test?

Results are often available within a few days, and sometimes, they can be seen within 24 hours. Your provider will call you to explain the findings and discuss the next steps.

4. Are there any risks or negative effects from a CBC test?

A complete blood count (CBC) is a safe and popular test. There is a slight risk of infection at the blood draw site, particularly if your immune system is impaired. Some patients may experience fainting or lightheadedness following a blood sample.

5. What should I expect following a CBC test?

Following a blood draw for a CBC test, your arm will be wrapped in gauze and taped. Your arm may be slightly painful for a few hours. You may have a little bruise where your provider puts the needle.