A Detailed Guide to Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test

What is CBC test?

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test is a common blood test that provides important information about a person's overall health and the components of their blood. It measures various aspects of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and provides a differential white blood cell count.

The test evaluates the number, size, and shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. It also measures the number of white blood cells, which are crucial for immune system function and fighting infections. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, is assessed, along with hematocrit, which indicates the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Platelets, which are involved in blood clotting, are counted as well.

Why is CBC Done?

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test is done for several reasons, including:

Health Assessment: The CBC test provides an overview of a person's overall health status. It helps evaluate the functioning of various components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Diagnosis of Medical Conditions: The CBC test helps in diagnosing a variety of medical conditions. It can detect abnormalities in blood cell counts, sizes, and shapes that may indicate certain diseases or disorders, including anemia, infections, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders.
Monitoring Health Conditions: For individuals with known medical conditions, such as cancer, anemia, or infections, the CBC test is frequently used to monitor the progress of the disease and assess the effectiveness of treatments.
Preoperative Assessment: Prior to surgeries or medical procedures, a CBC test is often performed to ensure the patient's blood counts are within a normal range. It helps identify any underlying conditions that might pose risks during the procedure. The general normal ranges for some common CBC parameters are as follows:

White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter of blood.
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: 4.5 to 5.5 million cells per microliter for males and 4.0 to 5.0 million cells per microliter for females.
Hemoglobin (Hb) Level: 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter for males and 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter for females.
Hematocrit (Hct) Level: 38.8% to 50.0% for males and 34.9% to 44.5% for females.
Platelet Count: 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
Routine Check-ups: The CBC test is sometimes included as part of routine check-ups to assess overall health and detect any early signs of potential health problems.

What conditions are diagnosed by CBC?

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test can help diagnose various medical conditions and provide valuable information about a person's health. Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed or assessed using a CBC test include:

Anemia: CBC can detect different types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and hemolytic anemia, by measuring the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
Infections: CBC can indicate the presence of an infection by measuring the number and types of white blood cells. An increased white blood cell count, along with other factors, may suggest an ongoing infection.
Leukemia and other blood cancers: CBC can detect abnormal or immature white blood cells, which may indicate leukemia or other blood cancers. It can also assess the overall health of white blood cells and platelets.
Inflammatory diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis can cause increased levels of inflammatory markers, which may be detected through a CBC test.
Bleeding disorders: CBC can evaluate platelet count and function, which helps in assessing bleeding disorders such as thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction.
Polycythemia: An increased red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels observed in CBC may indicate polycythemia, a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells.
Autoimmune disorders: Certain autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and vasculitis, can affect blood cell counts and are reflected in the CBC results.

CBC Preparation & Procedure

Preparations:

There are a few general guidelines that you may follow as a part of preparations:

Fasting: In most cases, fasting is not necessary for a CBC test. You can have your regular meals and fluids before the test, unless you have been specifically instructed by your healthcare provider.
Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies. Certain medications can affect blood cell counts, so your doctor may advise you to temporarily discontinue them before the test.
Clothing: You can wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm, as the blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm.
Hydration: It is generally recommended to stay adequately hydrated before a blood test. Drinking water can help make it easier to locate your veins for blood collection.
Relaxation: If you feel anxious or stressed about the blood test, try to relax and stay calm. Deep breathing exercises or engaging in a calming activity beforehand can help ease any discomfort or anxiety you may experience.

Procedure:

Blood Sample Collection: The test begins with the collection of a blood sample. A healthcare professional, will clean the area with an antiseptic and then use a needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. They may apply a tourniquet to help locate the vein and make the process easier.
Blood Sample Processing: Once the blood sample is collected, it is placed in a specialized tube that contains an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. The tube is labeled with your identification information and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Laboratory Analysis: In the laboratory, the blood sample undergoes automated analysis using specialized equipment. The equipment counts and examines the different components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Measurement of Blood Cell Counts: The CBC test provides information about the levels of various blood cells. It measures the following:
Red Blood Cells (RBC): This measurement includes the total number of red blood cells, as well as their size (mean corpuscular volume) and hemoglobin content.
White Blood Cells (WBC): The total number of white blood cells is measured, which helps assess the body's immune response.
Platelets: Platelet count indicates the number of small cell fragments involved in blood clotting.
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, and hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume.
Evaluation of Cell Morphology: In addition to the cell counts, the CBC test may also include an examination of the blood cell’s morphology under a microscope.
Results and Interpretation: Once the laboratory analysis is complete, the results are generated, indicating the values of various blood cell parameters. These results are typically provided to the healthcare provider who ordered the test.

CBC Test Price

Generally, the cost of a CBC test in India ranges from around ₹200 to ₹1,000 or more. This cost of a CBC (Complete Blood Count) test can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the healthcare facility or laboratory where the test is conducted, and any additional tests or services included in the package. It is advisable to check with specific healthcare providers or laboratories in your area to get accurate price. Additionally, the cost may also be covered partially or fully by health insurance, depending on the policy and coverage.

Best diagnostic center for CBC in Delhi

When it comes to Complete Blood Count Test (CBCs) in Delhi, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre stands out as the best diagnostic lab in Delhi, and for those too who are searching for affordable and reliable CBC testing near their location. Whether you're searching for the best diagnostic center for CBC tests, or specifically looking for a diagnostic lab specializing in CBC tests, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is the ideal choice. Not only does Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre offer accurate and precise CBC services, but they also provide competitive pricing for individuals seeking the best value for their money. With their state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced professionals, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre ensures that patients can conveniently buy or book a CBC test near them. The center's commitment to quality control and efficient service makes it the top choice for individuals in Delhi who want to book a CBC test near their location.