CBC Test - Full Form, Price, Normal Range, Report Analysis

A CBC test, or Complete Blood Count, provides valuable insights into your overall health by analysing various components of your blood, including haemoglobin. allowing doctors to gain a deeper understanding of your body's functioning.

By understanding the components of  blood through this test, you can take a proactive step towards staying healthy. In this article, we will discuss complete blood count tests, including red blood cell count and haemoglobin levels.

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The CBC test is a blood test that measures various components of your blood, such as red and white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin levels. It is important because it can help diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including infections, anaemia, and leukaemia.

The complete blood count test counts the blood cells, including erythrocytes. In this, a sample of the person's blood is taken and it is sent to the laboratory. Then a series of tests are done to evaluate it. This test helps in monitoring the health of the person, including the detection of bone marrow disease.

Whenever a patient goes to the doctor with the symptoms of any disease, the doctor prescribes a full blood count test for proper diagnosis. A patient may require this check-up if he has the following symptoms:

1. Bruising or bleeding
2. Tiredness, dizziness, or weakness
3. Fever, nausea, and vomiting
4. Swelling (redness and irritation) anywhere in the body
5. Joint pain
6. Increased or decreased heart rate
7. Blood pressure problem

A complete blood count is a common blood test that is often part of a routine checkup. It can help detect a variety of disorders, including infection, anaemia, diseases related to the immune system, and blood cancer.

It measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. The advantages of CBC testing are:

1. Health Checkup: The complete blood count check-up provides a comprehensive view of your blood. This helps doctors assess your overall health and catch potential problems early.

2. Detection of Anaemia: A condition where you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body's tissues. One sign of anaemia is fatigue, which can be caused by a lack of oxygen in the body.

3. Detection of Bacterial Infection: The test counts white blood cells, which are important for fighting infection. Abnormalities may indicate an ongoing infection or a problem with your immune system.

4. Coagulation Assessment: The CBC test measures platelet count to assess blood clotting ability. Low platelets (thrombocytopenia) can indicate bleeding issues, while high platelets increase clotting risk. The also provides data on the size of your red blood cells, aiding in specific condition diagnosis.

5. Health Monitoring: Regular CBC tests help track changes in blood cell counts over time, allowing doctors to monitor chronic conditions and adjust treatment accordingly.

6. Information on Health Conditions: The CBC test can provide valuable clues about a variety of health conditions, including leukaemia, vitamin deficiencies, and inflammatory disorders.

7. Preventive Care: By identifying potential health problems before they become serious, the CBC test empowers you to take preventive measures and maintain your well-being.

CBC testing is part of the diagnostic investigation. Follow these preparation guidelines for a smooth and accurate testing experience. It is measured in picograms per deciliter (pg/dL). 

Additionally, the test can also provide information on the average size of your red blood cells.

1. Fasting Not Required: Generally, you are not required to fast before the complete blood count medical check-up, making it convenient and suitable.

2. Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothing on the day of the health check to allow easy access to your arm for blood collection.

3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water before the assessment to improve blood flow and improve the accuracy of the results.

4. Medication Awareness: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect your blood cell counts.

To prepare for the complete blood count test, the patient doesn't need any special preparations. The blood sample is taken from the arm while the patient sits comfortably and breathes normally. Here's what happens during the procedure:

1. The phlebotomist or nurse cleans the area with alcohol.
2. A tourniquet is tied to the arm, and a needle is inserted into a prominent vein.
3. In infants, nurses usually insert a needle into the baby's heel.
4. The needle may cause a slight sting or burning sensation upon insertion.
5. A sample of blood is drawn through the needle and collected in a tube.
6. The tourniquet is untied.
7. After taking the blood, the nurse removes the needle and applies a bandage to the patient's arm.

The blood sample is then sent immediately to a laboratory. The body quickly replenishes itself, so there's no need for concern about blood loss after the procedure.

Understanding simple care steps can help you recover comfortably and ensure accurate results from your complete blood count test. The post-assessment care is as follows:

1. Apply Pressure: If you notice slight bleeding at the needle site, apply gentle pressure with a clean cotton ball until it stops.

2. Rest Your Arm: If your arm feels tender after drawing blood, avoid excessive movement or heavy use to avoid discomfort.

3. Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects: Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous exercise for a few hours after the test to avoid bruising at the collection site.

4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine: For a few hours after the assessment, it's a good idea to abstain from alcohol and caffeine to reduce the risk of any potential interactions with the blood test results.

Complete blood count test results are usually available in about 24 hours. If the patient's blood cell count is outside the normal range, the doctor will discuss its management in detail with the patient. 

However, the quantity of this blood assessment may vary from the body present at normal altitude to high altitude.

In general, the full blood count normal range is as follows:

CBC Above Normal

High complete blood count results can indicate potential health problems. There are a few reasons:

1. Infection and Inflammation: If your body is fighting an infection, the white blood cell count is increasing. White blood cell levels can also be increased by inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis.

2. Dehydration: If you're not drinking enough water, your blood can become thicker, which can lead to an increase in red blood cell counts.

3. Lung Disease: Conditions like COPD can cause an increase in red blood cell count as the body compensates for low oxygen levels.

4. Kidney Problems: Kidney problems can affect the production of hormones that control red blood cell production, potentially leading to high counts.

5. Cancer: Certain cancers like leukaemia can also cause an increase in the number of blood cells.

6. Genetic Conditions: Polycythemia vera is a condition where the bone marrow produces an excess of blood cells. Rare genetic conditions like primary familial and congenital polycythemia can also result in excessive blood cell production.

CBC Below Normal

When the CBC level is low, it can indicate potential health problems related to red blood cells and overall blood health.

1. Anaemia: A low red blood cell count is anaemia, which can be caused by iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or other factors that affect red blood cell production.

2. Conditions such as Lupus: It can cause your immune system to attack and destroy blood cells, resulting in low counts.

3. Infection: HIV and certain viral infections can suppress bone marrow function, resulting in decreased blood cell production.

4. Medicines: Certain medicines, like chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics, can temporarily reduce blood cell count as a side effect.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies: Low red blood cell counts can be caused by a lack of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid.

6. Hormonal Imbalance: Disorders, such as hypothyroidism, can affect blood cell production and result in low counts.

Understanding the appropriate treatment plan after a medical diagnosis is crucial for addressing any blood health concerns. Proactive measures can be taken based on result interpretation to improve well-being.

Normal Level

A CBC test result within the normal range is considered normal and does not require specific treatment. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial for overall blood health.

High Level

High complete blood count treatments are:

1. Treating the Underlying Condition: Treating the underlying cause, such as infection, inflammatory disorders, or bone marrow problems, can help normalise blood cell counts.

2. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can contribute to a better blood cell balance.

3. Medication Adjustments: If certain medications are causing a high complete blood count, your doctor may adjust your dosage or suggest an alternative.

Low Levels

The following are complete blood count treatments:

1. Iron supplements can help with iron deficiency. Your doctor may also recommend dietary changes.
2. Vitamin supplements can increase blood cell production for deficiencies like vitamin B12 or folic acid.
3. If medications are causing a low blood count, your doctor may adjust the medication regimen or look for alternatives.
4. Hormone therapy can restore normal blood cell production in cases of hormonal imbalances. 
5. Treating underlying infections helps your body heal and increase blood cell production.

Taking blood for a CBC test is a simple and safe process with minimal risks. However, some individuals may have more difficulty with the procedure. The associated risks are minor and may include:

1. Excessive bleeding
2. Fainting or feeling lightheaded
3. Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
4. Infection

CBC Test Cost

The cost of the CBC test may vary by city, and there may be additional charges for in-home blood sample collection. However, most laboratories have set their prices between ₹200 to ₹500.

Most doctors use complete blood count for timely diagnosis and management of the disease. From a small sample of blood, CBCs can help diagnose hundreds of disorders, conditions, and infections.

Some conditions can be detected early with a full blood count assessment, before symptoms or signs occur, allowing treatment to begin sooner.

If you are still interested in further information about the CBC test or would like to get a member of your family tested, feel free to contact the HexaHealth personal care team today. You can get all the information about this test by visiting our website.

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