The complete blood count or popularly called (CBC) is a laboratory blood test performed either at a diagnostic centre or even at home. Its purpose is to give an overview of overall health and well being of the individual.
The complete blood count or popularly called (CBC) is a laboratory blood test performed either at a diagnostic centre or even at home. Its purpose is to give an overview of overall health and well being of the individual.
It is a full blood panel test which detects and diagnoses various medical conditions such as: Anemia, infection and leukemia.
The blood composition is made of plasma (55%) and blood cells (45%).
Components of Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count measures the different parts and features of the blood, including:
- Red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen from lungs to rest of the body.
- White blood cells, responsible for fighting infections and various other diseases.
- Platelets, responsible for stopping the bleeding by forming a blood clot.
In some cases, the doctor may also have the laboratory test that measures the mean PLT volume (MPV), this determines average size of the PLT. - Hemoglobin, this is a protein present in the red blood cells which carries the oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body.
RBC or Red Blood Cell Indices:
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) Measures average size of RBC.
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) Measures average amount of hemoglobin in each RBC.
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) Calculated measurement of the concentrated hemoglobin in the RBC.
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) Measures the variation in size of the RBC
The CBC may also include the reticulocyte count, it is the total number of newly released or the young RBCs in the blood sample.
Furthermore, there are five major different types of white blood cells (WBCs). This CBC test will measure the total number of white cells present in your blood.
- Neutrophils: Indication of an inflammatory or infectious disease.
- Lymphocytes: They fight the bacteria and other pathogens present in the blood.
- Monocytes: They help to combat infections and other illnesses by removing the damaged or dead cells.
- Eosinophils: Produced response to the allergies and also other types of infections.
- Basophils: Involved in the early identification of infections and also in wound healing and produced in allergic reactions.
A different test is called the CBC with differential measures specifically the number of each kind of these white blood cells.
Other names: CBC, full blood count, blood cell count, Complete Blood Count With Differential
This test depicts the unusual increase or the unusual decrease in the cell counts. These changes might indicate an underlying medical condition that calls for further more testing.
Purpose of the Test and CBC Test Uses
The CBC is carried out for many reasons. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Overall health and General Wellbeing
- Diagnose an underlying medical condition:
- Example: To understand the cause of different symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, fever.
- It also helps to find the cause of any swelling and pain, bruising, or bleeding experienced by the patient.
- Monitor a medical condition:
- This test keeps an eye on conditions that may affect the blood cell counts.
- Monitor a medical treatment
- This test keeps an eye on the treatment and medication that affects blood cell counts and radiation.
CBC Test Results or Result Interpretation
A CBC usually counts the cells in the blood. But, are many reasons your levels may not be in the designated normal range or normal blood cell count. For example:
- RBC Low: Sign of anemia, heart disease, or Iron deficiency in your body.
- RBC High: Sign of Erythrocytosis, polycythemia.
- Hematocrit High: Sign of the medical conditions such as blood cancer or heart diseases.
- WBC High: Sign of an autoimmune disorder or/and bone marrow disorder, and cancer.
- WBC Low: Sign of infection or/and an adverse reaction to medication.
- Platelets Low: Thrombocytopenia, Leukemia and other cancers. Some types of anemia. Viral infections, example, hepatitis C or HIV.
- Platelets High: Thrombocytosis, cancer /trauma, as well as some infections or iron deficiency.
Level of CBC Components Values in a Healthy Individual
The blood components are measured in form of - cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL).
Given below are the normal values:
| CBC: Red blood cell count | Male: 4.35 trillion to 5.65 trillion cells/L Female: 3.92 trillion to 5.13 trillion cells/L |
| CBC: Hemoglobin | Male: 13.2 to 16.6 grams/dL (132 to 166 grams/L) Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL (116 to 150 grams/L) |
| CBC: Hematocrit | Male: 38.3% to 48.6% Female: 35.5% to 44.9% |
| CBC: White blood cell count | Both Male and Female: 3.4 billion to 9.6 billion cells/L |
| CBC: Platelet count | Male: 135 billion to 317 billion/L Female: 157 billion to 371 billion/L |
CBC Test Normal Values in Children
|
Hematology |
|||
|
Test |
Age |
Range |
Units |
|
Red Cell Count |
0-1 month |
3.90-5.90 |
millions/mm3 |
|
1-2 months |
3.10-5.30 |
||
|
2-3 months |
2.70-4.50 |
||
|
3-6 months |
3.10-5.10 |
||
|
6 months-1 year |
3.90-5.50 |
||
|
Hematocrit |
0-1 month |
42-65 |
% |
|
1-2 months |
33-55 |
||
|
2-3 months |
28-41 |
||
|
3-6 months |
29-41 |
||
|
6 months-1 year |
31-41 |
||
|
Hemoglobin |
0-1 month |
13.4-19.9 |
gm/dL |
|
1-2 months |
10.7-17.1 |
||
|
2-3 months |
9.0-14.1 |
||
|
3-6 months |
9.5-14.1 |
||
|
6 months-1 year |
11.3-14.1 |
||
|
MCH |
0-1 month |
31-37 |
pg |
|
1-3 months |
27-36 |
||
|
3-6 months |
25-35 |
||
|
6 months-1 year |
23-31 |
||
|
MCHC |
0-6 months |
28-36 |
g/dL RBC |
|
6 months-1 year |
32-36 |
||
|
MCV |
0-1 month |
88-123 |
Femtoliters |
|
1-3 months |
91-112 |
||
|
3-6 months |
74-108 |
||
|
6 months-1 year |
70-85 |
||
|
White Cell Count |
0-1 month |
9000-30000 |
mm3 |
|
1-3 months |
5000-19500 |
||
|
3 months-1 year |
6000-17500 |
||
|
1-2 years |
6000-17000 |
||
|
2-4 years |
5500-15500 |
||
|
Differential (manual) Neutrophils |
0-1 month |
1000-20000 |
mm3 |
|
1-3 months |
1000-9000 |
||
|
3-6 months |
1000-8500 |
||
|
6 months-5 years |
1500-8500 |
||
|
5-18 years |
1700-7500 |
||
|
Lymphocytes |
0-1 month |
2000-11000 |
mm3 |
|
1-3 months |
2500-16500 |
||
|
3-6 months |
4000-13500 |
||
|
6 months-1 year |
4000-10500 |
||
|
1-2 years |
3000-9500 |
||
|
2-5 years |
2000-8000 |
||
|
5-18 years |
1250-7000 |
||
|
18+ years |
875-3300 |
||
|
Monocytes |
0-1 month |
540-1800 |
mm3 |
|
1-3 months |
350-1365 |
||
|
3-12 months |
300-875 |
||
|
1-2 years |
300-850 |
||
|
2-5 years |
275-775 |
||
|
5-18 years |
28-825 |
||
|
18+ years |
130-860 |
||
|
Eosinophils |
0-1 month |
270-900 |
mm3 |
|
1-3 months |
150-585 |
||
|
3 months-1 year |
180-525 |
||
|
1-2 years |
180-510 |
||
|
2-5 years |
165-465 |
||
|
5-18 years |
40-650 |
||
|
18+ years |
40-390 |
||
|
Basophils |
0-1 month |
0-400 |
mm3 |
|
1 month-5 years |
0-140 |
||
|
5-18 years |
7-140 |
||
|
18+ years |
10-136 |
||
Not a definitive test
The CBC results may vary due to various reasons without any specific sickness or illness
How do I prepare for CBC test?
Follow these simple steps if you are going for CBC test:
- Take an appointment: Fix an appointment for CBC test in a diagnostic lab to avoid waiting at the time of test.
- Food: You can take your usual meals. Fasting is usually not required for CBC test if done alone. However, CBC test is usually done in conjunction with other tests which may require fasting.
- Medications: Inform your doctor about all the drugs and supplements that you are currently taking. Certain drugs may alter the test results. Your doctor may advice some modifications before the test if required.
- Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise before the test as it may alter test results.
- Smoking: Avoid smoking before the test as it may affect the test results.
What is the procedure for CBC test?
The procedure of CBC test includes the following steps:
- First a tourniquet will be tied around your arm.
- Then a cotton swab soaked with 70% alcohol is used to clean/disinfect the injection site before needle insertion.
- Then a small needle will be inserted in the vein of your arm and required amount of blood is withdrawn from it and collected in a sterile test tube.
- Then the needle is removed and an adhesive sticker is placed on the puncture site to prevent it from infections.
- Sample is sent to laboratory for further processing and testing.
Where can I find a complete blood count test at home near me?
Get complete blood count at home or at the centre with Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre! Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is your one stop solution to all your diagnostic needs.
With state of the art technology and the provision of bringing blood testing to your doorstep, GDIC is leading the way.
The blood sample can be either collected at the center when the patient pays a visit to the doctor. On the other hand, it can also be conducted as an at home service at the convenience of the individual
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, the provision of home visit for blood test is free of any additional cost.
Why should Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre be your preference?
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
The facility for Pathology testing operates 24x7, 365 days, providing service to patients round the clock!
Free home sample collection and digitally available test report enables patients to get tests done at the comfort of their homes.
All safety precautions are taken while collection and transportation of samples. Samples are collected in a hassle-free manner, labeled correctly and transported back to the lab safely.
Test report is generated within 24 hours of sample collection, therefore reducing the gap between diagnosis and treatment effectively.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of tests are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre have skilled staff of radiologists, pathologists and technicians.
The different tests carried out for Complete Blood Count are as follows:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test (Haematology Test)
CBC Test: Rs 350 Rs 175
CBC test at Home: Rs 350 Rs 175
CBC With Peripheral Smear: Rs 200 Rs 100
Complete Blood Count, Advanced (CBC, Advanced): Rs 800 Rs 400
Hemogram (CBC with ESR): Rs 500 Rs 250
FAQs related to Complete Blood Count
What does a CBC measure?
A CBC test Different components of the blood such as
- White blood cell count
- White blood cell differential
- Red blood cell count
- Hemoglobin (Hg or Hgb)
- Hematocrit (Hct)
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
- Platelet count
Why am I having this test?
The CBC is carried out for many reasons. For example: For overall health and general wellbeing of the individual, to understand the cause of different symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, It also helps to find the cause of any swelling and pain, bruising, or bleeding experienced by the patient. Other uses may include monitoring a medical condition or treatment. Also in cases to understand the problems with heart rate or blood pressure
Where is this test done?
Test Conducted By Ganesh Diagnostic and Imagining Center
In general, the costs of the CBC Test may vary as per the region and the facility.
So, it is highly recommended that the test is carried out with utmost sincerity at trustworthy diagnostic centers like: Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre.
The different tests carried out for Complete Blood Count are as follows:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test (Haematology Test)
CBC Test, CBC test at Home, CBC with Peripheral Smear, Complete Blood Count, Advanced (CBC, Advanced Hemogram (CBC with ESR)
Do I need to avoid eating and drinking before the test? If so, for how long?
Yes, you would usually need to fast for eight to twelve hours before taking the test. As most of tests that require fasting in advance, are normally scheduled for early morning. This way, most of your fasting time can be overnight.
Do I need to stop taking any of my medications ahead of time for this test? If so, which medications? For how long?
- You may need to stop certain medications before the test is taken. For this, it is absolutely necessary, that you share your medical history with the health care professional. Your doctor, would guide you on the necessary steps that need to be taken before getting a CBC for accurate results
- It is also expected that the patient shouldn't smoke, chew gum (even sugarless), or even exercise before the test is taken.
How is a CBC performed?
- First, your healthcare professional will order a CBC test to be done as part of medical care. Secondly, your blood sample will be taken. You would need to avoid eating or taking any/certain medications before getting the CBC to get most accurate results from it. Afterwards, health care professional would let you know the further steps
- After your blood has been drawn, the sample is usually sent to the laboratory for next steps and analysis.
- These test results can be collected by hand at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center. It is also available digitally and made available within 24 hours post the test is taken.
What should I expect after the test?
After the test, you would have a little piece of gauze and a bandage placed on your arm. It is likely, that your arm is a bit sore for few hours. In some cases, you may also develop a small bruise at the needle insertion site
What are the risks involved in this test?
In general the CBC test is a safe, and a common test. There are also no risks involved, and your healthcare provider/technician only draws a small amount of blood from the arm. Rarely, some people could feel a faint or in other words a little lightheaded after a CBC test is done.
How would I receive the results of my CBC test? And When?
You will be able to receive the test results both digitally using the credentials provided by GDIC or collected manually at the center. The reports can be ready as soon as 24 hours post undertaking the test
What do my CBC test results mean? Would someone explain them to me?
Your health care provider will carefully read the results of your CBC test. It is important to keep in mind that there are multiple factors, that include noncancerous conditions as well, lead to results that are falling outside the normal range. Ask your doctor to further help you understand the meaning of your results/ interpret and provide conclusion
Even though CBC test results are usually reported with the desired reference range of expected and designated values to help guide the doctor in interpreting them.
Reference ranges usually reflect the different numeric values which are found in healthy people; however, it is seen that a small number of healthy people i.e. (5%) have values that can be higher or lower than the ones indicated in the given reference range. Thus, the values higher or lower than the reference range may or may not indicate any particular medical condition.
Normal Range of the Most Common CBC Values are as follows:
|
Hemoglobin normal range: |
Male (ages 15+): 13.0 - 17.0 g/dL |
| Female (ages 15+): 11.5 - 15.5 g/dL | |
|
Hematocrit normal range: |
Male: 40 - 55% |
| Female: 36 - 48% | |
| Platelet Count normal range: | Adult: 150,000 - 400,000/mL |
| White blood cell (WBC) normal range: | Adult: 5,000-10,000/mL |
If my results are within a normal range, what are the next steps?
This means that your healthcare provider has looked at the given result and deemed it to be within the desired or normal range for the test. Thus, in this case, no action is needed. In other words, no further investigation and treatment is needed ahead.
If my results are outside of a normal range, what are the next steps?
Your healthcare provider would contact you to explain the results obtained and discuss next steps with you. If the blood cell counts are outside the normal range, your healthcare provider may further order follow-up tests.
A note from Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center
Healthcare professionals use complete blood counts to calculate the different cellular (formed elements) of blood. This helps to manage disease and keep you healthy. With one sample of blood, CBCs can help screen and detect for hundreds of disorders, conditions and infections. There are machines that can analyze the components present in the blood is less than a minute.
A CBC can be used to detect conditions early and diagnose them, sometimes even before the symptoms arise, so that treatment starts as soon as possible.
It is an essential tool in routine screening or check-up or as a follow- up test, enabling them to monitor certain treatments ahead
