Everything You Need to Know About CBC – Complete Blood Count Test

Diagnostics play a vital role in unfolding the complex language of our bodies in modern medicine. A diagnostic tool that helps us to unveil insights about our health is CBC otherwise known as Complete Blood Count Test. Experts describe it as looking through a ‘window into your health.’ CBC tests provide a detailed report of vital information incorporating the main components of our blood that assists in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. 

What is a CBC Test? 

The Complete Blood Count test is defined as a standard blood test that assesses different components present in our blood. Each of these elements have a purpose as to maintain our health. These components are mainly known as Red blood Cells, White Blood cells and Platelets. Any imbalance detected in any of these elements can be a cause of underlying health concerns. 

Let’s dive in a little deeper to under the elements of Complete Blood Count Test (CBC): 

Components of Complete Blood Count 

Red Blood Cells: We all know that red blood cells are mainly responsible for transporting oxygen from our lungs to different organs and tissues in our body. A Complete Blood Count Test evaluates the size (corpuscular volume) and number of red blood cells along with percentile of hemoglobin. If a Complete Blood Count Test shows lower levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin, it may indicate signs of different blood disorders, anemia, iron deficiency, etc. 

White Blood Cells: White Blood Cells are the powerhouse of the immune system which fights back diseases and infections. The Complete Blood Count Test calculates the total number of white blood cells and further categorizes them into different types such as: 

• Neutrophils 
• Monocytes
• Basophils 
• Eosinophils and Lymphocytes 

A rise in WBC count might indicate signs of an ongoing inflammatory condition or some type of infection. Whereas, a low WBC count might suggest suppression of the immune system. 

Platelets: Platelets are normally defined as small cell particles that play an imperative role in healing wounds and blood clotting. An abnormal platelet count in a Complete Blood Count Test can lead to excessive blood clot formation in the body and affect the body’s ability to stop bleeding. Thus, a Complete Blood Count Test helps in maintaining the proper hemostasis by measuring the levels of platelets in the body. 

Reason Why the Complete Blood Count Test is Performed? 

Regular Medical Check Ups: 

Complete Blood Count Test (CBC) is recommended to gather basic information about the status of your health. 

Diagnosis for a Disease: 

Complete Blood Count Test is usually conducted when a person shows symptoms such as fatigue, constant fever, signs of infection, inflammation, etc. 

Monitoring Ongoing Health Concerns: 

In order to monitor certain blood parameters, the Complete Blood Count Test is conducted by healthcare providers and doctors to examine an existing disease. 

To Examine any Signs of Blood Disorder: 

The human body goes through some internal side effects that may go unnoticed. The Complete Blood Count Test can detect if treatments chemotherapy are affecting the blood cells. 

What Health Problems Can CBC Detect? 

The Complete Blood Count Test can diagnose a number of health conditions. You healthcare provider may ask you to have a Complete Blood Count Test done to examine any signs of: 

• Anemia
• Infections and inflammatory conditions 
• To evaluate your immune system (level of White Blood Cells)
• Cancers such as Lymphoma or Leukemia
• Detection of harmful radiation such as chemotherapy 
• Side effects of any pharmaceutical drugs
• Iron Deficiency
• Any other vitamin deficiency
• Bone Marrow disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome 

Do you need to prepare for the CBC Test? 

The Complete Blood Count Test is usually done during your routine health check ups.  

There are no special preparations that are needed to conduct this test usually because this test is quite simple and quick. In some health scenarios, you may need to fast for 12 hours before you take the Complete Blood Count Test in addition to other health tests as per your doctor’s instructions. During this time, it is advised to stay hydrated and avoid any strenuous tasks. 

However, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions while you are taking a CBC test. 

While getting your CBC test done, it is important to inform your healthcare provider if: 

• You ever had bleeding issues
• If you are pregnant 
• If you have taken any over-the-counter drugs. 

Normal Values for The Complete Blood Count Test:

The normal range value of Complete Blood Count Test varies depending on factors such as a person’s age, sex, etc. Generally speaking, men tend to have a higher ratio of red blood cells compared to women. Whereas, contrary to adults, children have a higher level of white blood cells. We have described below, the normal values of Complete Blood Count test (CBC) among males and females.

The fact that each human body acts differently, the CBC test values may differ depending on the nature of each person;s body and external factors such as age, health conditions, sex, etc. It is advised to consult your healthcare provider in regards to this matter. 

Normal ranges of CBC are: 

Normal RBC Count Value: 

Male: 4.7 to 6.1 Million cells/mcL

Female: 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/ mcL

Normal White Blood Cells 

Males: 5000-10,000/ mL

Females: 45000 to 11,000/ mL

Platelet Count Range 

Adults: 150,000 to 45,000/mcL

Normal Range of Hemoglobin 

Males: 13.0 to 1.7 g/dL (15+ Age)

Females: 11.5 to 15.5 g/dL (15+ Age)

Hematocrit Range 

Males: 40 to 55%

Females: 36 to 48%

CBC Test Results: 

The Complete Blood Count Test is normally available, a few hours after you have given your blood sample. The results of the test are further discussed by your doctor and he/she may prescribe you with additional steps to cater your health concerns. 

Complete Blood Test; Risks and Challenges: 

It is safe to say that there are no high risks of the Complete Blood Count Test. The test is pretty basic as 0.5 cc of blood is required from your body. You may feel a sting or a slight pinch when the needle pricks you. Apart from this, it is reported that anemic patients or in pregnancy or menstruation women tend to feel weakness once they have given their blood sample. However, this is not a sign of concern as the patients tend to feel better after some time. 

If your Complete Blood Count Test shows abnormal range values of the element present in blood, it may indicate a sign that you may have anemia, some sort of viral or bacterial infection or any other health condition that hasn’t surfaced yet. Your doctor can prescribe a few more tests if your CBC test is not normal.

Bottom Line: 

To conclude, a Complete Blood Count Test is a vital diagnostic tool that can provide valuable information about our health. It is highly advised to conduct a Complete Blood Count Test in your routine checkups in order to keep a record of your health. A normal Complete Blood Count Test result indicates that you are a healthy person. Also, it is essential to get your CBC test done from a trustworthy, experienced lab. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and entrust Star Medical Laboratory to be your steadfast partner in attaining optimal health. Schedule your test today and take charge of your health. Your health matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.