Overview
A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine test that evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to assess overall health. It helps confirm or rule out hematologic disorders, monitor the effects of treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, and detect abnormalities. A morphology evaluation is performed if abnormal results are found under microscopic examination.
What is the Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test ?
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a type of blood test that evaluates different blood constituents and parameters comprehensively. The CBC test measures the Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, White Blood Cell (WBC) count, platelet count, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Hemoglobin, and Hematocrit.
Components of Complete Blood Count
- RBC Count: It is the total number of RBCs present in the blood sample. RBCs carry oxygen in the blood.
- Hemoglobin: It is to measure the amount of hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein) inside RBCs.
- Hematocrit: It is to measure the proportion of total blood volume containing RBCs.
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): It is to measure the average size of RBCs.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): It measures the average amount of hemoglobin present inside each RBC.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Cocentration (MCHC): It is to measure the concentrated hemoglobin inside RBC.
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): It is the measurement of the variation in the RBC’s size.
- Neutrophils: The bone marrow produces neutrophils, which make up the majority of WBCs, to combat a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
- Lymphocytes: B-Cells and T-Cells, two types of lymphocytes that combat bacteria and other pathogens in the blood, are mainly produced from the lymphatic system.
- Monocytes: In addition to eliminating damaged or dead cells, monocytes work alongside neutrophils to fight infections and other diseases.
- Eosinophils: Eosinophils are the type of WBCs that get activated in response to allergies and certain infections.
- Basophils: Basophils play a vital role in early indication of infections, wound repair, and allergic reactions.
- Platelets: Platelets play an essential role in blood clotting.
What is the Purpose of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test ?
The CBC test is advised for following analysis:
- Screening: It can be done to identify health issues before symptoms appear. A CBC test is generally recommended by a doctor as a screening test during regular checkups.
- Diagnosis: It can be advised to determine the cause behind your symptoms like fatigue, frequent fainting, pallor, frequent infections and many more. It helps to confirm or rule out various blood abnormalities. It can also be advised with other tests to reach a conclusion.
- Monitoring: It is used to monitor a patient’s previously diagnosed with blood cell disorders and the treatment of the same over time.
- Assessing the effect of medical conditions and treatments: It is also used to monitor the effects of other medical conditions or medical treatments on a patient's blood parameters and overall health.
How to Schedule A Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test with Dr. B. Lal Lab ?
- Go to the Dr. B. Lal Lab website.
- Go to the “Book a test” tab.
- Select the “Lab Test” tab.
- Type “CBC test” in the search bar.
- Click on the test.
- The test page with all the test details will show up.
- Click on “Book Now”.
- Login and verify your mobile number with OTP.
- Now enter your details.
- Select date & time for booking CBC test in Jaipur.
- Check out.
When is a Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test Recommended ?
If you have or suspected to have following diseases/conditions, then CBC Test is advised:
- Acute or chronic bleeding
- Any type of anemia
- Bone marrow disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies such as low iron, folate, or vitamin B12
- Certain cancers
- Ongoing cancer treatment
- Chronic inflammatory disease
- Dehydration
- Heart or lung disease
- Certain types of kidney diseases
- Cigarette smoking
- Polycythemia vera (overproduction of RBCs)
- Liver damage
- Alcohol abuse
- Severe infections
- An enlarged spleen
- Autoimmune disorders
- Infections
- Burns, or other physical trauma
- Allergies
- Stress
- Specific medications
- Pregnancy
Interpreting the Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test Results
It is vital that you discuss the significance of your CBC test results with your doctor. Your values and the value comparison to the laboratory's reference ranges will be examined by your doctor.
Parameter |
Normal value for adults |
Higher Value Interpretation |
Lower Value Interpretation |
WBC |
4,000 to 10,000 cells per mcL (4.0 to 10 k/mcL) |
Leukocytosis |
Leukopenia |
RBC |
4.0 to 5.4 million cells per mcL (for women) or 4.5 to 6.1 million cells per mcL (for men) |
Erythrocytosis |
Erythrocytopenia |
Hb |
11.5 to 15.5 g/dL (for women) or 13 to 17 g/dL (for men) |
Sign of Polycythemia |
Anemia |
Hct |
36% to 48% (for women) or 40% to 55% (for men) |
Sign of Polycythemia |
Anemia |
MCV |
80 to 100 fL (femtoliters) |
Macrocytosis |
Microcytosis |
MCH |
27 to 31 pg (picograms) per cell |
Macrocytosis |
Hypochromic Anemia |
MCHC |
32 to 36 g/dL (grams per deciliter) |
Hyperchromic Anemia |
Hypochromic Anemia |
RDW |
12% to 15% |
Anemia |
--------- |
Platelet Count |
150,000 to 400,000 cells per mcL (150 to 400 k/mcL) |
Thrombocythemia |
Thrombocytopenia |
MPV |
7.0 fL to 9.0 fL |
Numerous Conditions |
Numerous Conditions |
Neutrophils |
2,500 to 7,000 per mcL (2.5 to 7.0 k/mcL) |
Neutrophilia |
Neutropenia |
Lymphocytes |
1,000 to 4,800 per mcL (1.0 to 4.8 k/mcL) |
Lymphocytosis |
Lymphopenia |
Monocytes |
200 to 800 per mcL (0.2 to 0.8 k/mcL) |
Monocytosis |
Monocytopenia |
Eosinophils |
Less than 500 per mcL (0.5 k/mcL) |
Eosinophilia |
Eosinopenia |
Basophils |
Less than 300 per mcL (0.3 k/mcL) |
Basophilia |
Basopenia |
Immature Granulocytes |
Less than 100 mcL (0.1 k/mcL) |
Granulocytosis |
Granulocytopenia |
Preparation for Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
- Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the CBC test.
- Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to a CBC. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
- Drink adequate water before sample collection.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity before the sample collection.
- Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.
How Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test is Done ?
The Blood Sample for CBC Test is taken in following steps:
- The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
- A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
- A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
- Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
- Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.
What is the Cost of Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test ?
The Price of a Complete Blood Count Test is Rs. 270. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:
- Other tests advised along with CBC test
- Offers or discounts
- Empanelment of the patient