Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Complete blood count (CBC) is used to detect a wide range of blood disorders including anaemia, leukaemia and thrombocytopenia. A CBC test can also help analyse any infections in your body. Apollo 24|7’s CBC test price is extremely competitive and the brand utilises the latest technologies to assess the results. The CBC test is often recommended by doctors as the initial blood test to determine diseases or disorders. 

The CBC test offers an analysis of leucocyte count, Haemoglobin levels, and platelet count, which together determine how healthy your blood is. This analysis helps doctors determine the right treatment and medications for you.

A CBC test is almost definite for anaemic patients for it charts out the haemoglobin levels and platelet count which are two crucial parameters to understand if the anaemia is worsening or under control. By providing the details on leukocytes count, a CBC test can easily help identify the amount of white blood cells in your blood which can further help understand if you are at risk of cancer. Hence, CBC test can be considered as one of the most important lab tests that are almost referred to all the patients to understand how their body is reacting to the infection.

The National Health Portal, India, has set the normal range for the CBC test. It suggests that the normal levels of haemoglobin for males should be between 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter of blood (gm/dl) and for women it should be between 12.1 to 15.1 gm/dl. For children it should be between 11 to 16 gm/dl and for pregnant women it should be between 11 to 15.1 gm/dl. 

Who should get the CBC blood test done? 

• People who are having fever 
• People who are experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness
• People who are having gum bleed, or blood in vomiting, or in urine, or having black stools 
• People who are opting for an annual health check-up
  
  Medically reviewed by Dr Shakti, General Physician/Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

Frequently asked questions

What diseases can CBC help to detect?

CBC can help to detect various conditions that include anemia of various etiologies, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow disorders, dehydration, infections, inflammation, hemoglobin abnormalities, leukemia, low platelets, lymphoma, myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndrome, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and cancer that has spread to bone marrow.

What other tests can be advised by the doctor if CBC results are not normal?

The other tests which can be advised entirely depend on the suspected condition or disease. In the case of abnormal WBC results, the culture of the affected area is advised such as blood culture, urine culture, and sputum culture. Tests for viruses like mononucleosis or EBV can be advised. In case inflammation is suspected, a CRP or ESR test may be advised. In the case of abnormal RBC results, the other test advised can include reticulocyte count, iron studies, tests for folate and vitamin B12, Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase test, or hemoglobinopathy evaluation. In the case of abnormal platelet count, the other test advised can be HIT antibody. Also, additional tests that can be advised include tests for bleeding disorders or excessive clotting disorders such as coagulation factors, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, or von Willebrand factor.

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What is meant by MCV?

MCV refers to the mean corpuscular volume. It depicts the measurement of the average size of red blood cells.

What is meant by MCH?

MCH refers to Mean corpuscular hemoglobin. It depicts the measurement of the average amount of hemoglobin inside red blood cells.

What is meant by MCHC?

MCHC refers to Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. It depicts the average concentration of hemoglobin inside red blood cells.

What factors can affect hemoglobin’s level?

The factors which can affect hemoglobin’s level include recent blood transfusion and pregnancy.

What other tests can be advised along with the hemoglobin test?

The other tests which can be advised along with hemoglobin test depend upon the cause which needs to be diagnosed. The other tests include CBC, blood smear, iron studies, reticulocyte count, vitamin B12 and folate levels, and bone marrow examination.

Which individuals are at risk of low hemoglobin levels?

The individuals which are at risk of low hemoglobin levels include women of childbearing age, nutritional deficiencies, people who underwent surgery, people who have been severely injured, kidney disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic infection, or chronic inflammatory disorders.

What are the signs of abnormally low hemoglobin levels?

The signs of abnormally low hemoglobin levels include fatigue, pale skin, fainting, and shortness of breath.

What is Leukocytosis?

When the total number of leucocyte count is higher than the normal range, it is known as leukocytosis.

What is Leukopenia?

When the total number of leucocyte count is lower than the normal range, it is known as leukopenia.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is the cancer of the blood in which malignant white blood cells multiply inside the bone marrow. It can be acute or chronic.

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is cancer of the blood that occurs in the lymphatic system of the body. The white blood cells in lymphoma change and grow beyond control. The two types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s and Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

What is hematocrit?

Hematocrit is a measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in your blood.

What is anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition in which the haemoglobin concentration and the number of red blood cells fall below the normal level. Our CBC blood test price has been kept at a minimum for you to get your haemoglobin level checked at regular intervals.

What is anaemia and how is it detected?

Anaemia is a blood disorder wherein a person lacks the necessary red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Low haemoglobin causes weakness and tiredness. There are many kinds of anaemia, such as aplastic, iron deficiency, sickle cell anaemia, and thalassemia. It can be detected in a CBC test.

What are the symptoms of anaemia?

Some of the early warning symptoms of anemia include: Weakness, Fatigue, Irregular heartbeats, Yellowish or pale skin, Breathlessness, Lightheadedness or dizziness, Cold feet and hands, Chest pain, Headaches These symptoms may not be very apparent initially but may worsen with time.

What causes low platelets?

Low platelet count is also known as thrombocytopenia. It can cause purple and red rashes, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bruises, heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged bleeding from wounds, etc. There are many reasons behind the low count of platelets, such as bone marrow conditions (such as aplastic anaemia, viral infections, cirrhosis, myelodysplasia, vitamin deficiencies, etc.), platelet destruction (due to pregnancy, enlarged spleen, autoimmune disorders, bacterial infections, surgery, etc.), etc.