Blood tests are performed and utilized by medical professionals to test and diagnose a wide range of illnesses and conditions by taking and testing a sample of a patient's blood. A CBC or Complete Blood Count is a comprehensive blood test that tells how many different types of cells are present in a person's blood. CBC is among the most common medical tests prescribed and provides a rapid overview of an individual’s overall health. A CBC test used for monitoring a person's recovery from an injury, surgery, or other health issue is also an excellent diagnostic tool highly preferred by medical professionals.  

What is a Complete Blood Count?

A complete blood test includes the evaluation of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the body. Each type of blood cell plays a vital role in our body, so knowing the blood cell levels can give important information about our health.

CBCs may be administered as part of a general medical examination. CBC test includes:

• Check for signs of anaemia, a medical condition in which the body's red blood cell count declines rapidly.
• Determine if there is any other underlying medical condition or provide an explanation for symptoms such as weakness, fevers, bruising, or fatigue.
• Determine the impact of different medications, conditions, or therapies, such as chemotherapy.
• A complete blood count test evaluates the presence of Platelets, which facilitates the clotting of blood. In the CBC test for dengue, platelet counts play a significant role in aiding decision-making.
• It is also recommended to monitor for a blood disorder.

Complete blood counts reveal whether there are abnormal increases or decreases in the number of cells in the blood. It can be a sign that one has a medical condition that needs to be looked at more closely. Complete blood tests also help track a known medical condition.

Purpose of the Test

A complete blood count is one of the most common blood tests performed for various reasons:

• Check for Overall Health - A full blood test can be part of the check-up to make sure an individual is healthy and to check for things like anaemia or leukaemia.
• Diagnose a Medical Condition - If a person is feeling weak, tired, or has a fever, a full blood test can help figure out what's going on. It can also help doctors figure out why an individual is having swelling, pain, bruising or bleeding.
• To Check for any Health Condition -  A full blood test can help keep track of things that affect the blood cells.
• To Monitor the Progress of Medical Treatment - A full blood count may be performed to monitor the progress of treatment with medicines that influence blood cell counts and irradiation.

Uses of CBC Test

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common blood test that provides valuable information about the composition and health of your blood. The CBC measures various components of your blood and is used for several diagnostic and screening purposes. Here are the key uses of a CBC test:

• Screening and General Health Assessment: A CBC is often used as a routine screening tool during regular check-ups to assess overall health and detect potential health issues.
• Diagnosing Anemia: The CBC helps in diagnosing different types of anemia by measuring the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or low hemoglobin levels, leading to symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
• Detecting Infections: The white blood cell count (WBC) and differential are essential components of the CBC that can indicate the presence of infection or inflammation. An elevated WBC count may suggest an ongoing infection.
• Monitoring Inflammatory Conditions: The CBC is valuable in monitoring conditions associated with inflammation, such as autoimmune disorders or chronic diseases. An increased WBC count and other parameters may indicate inflammation.
• Assessing Bleeding Disorders: Platelet count and other parameters in the CBC can help assess the risk of bleeding disorders. Low platelet counts may suggest a propensity for excessive bleeding.
• Identifying Blood Disorders: Abnormalities in red blood cell morphology or variations in cell size and shape can indicate specific blood disorders, such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease.
• Evaluating Bone Marrow Health: The CBC provides information about the health and function of the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. Changes in cell counts may indicate bone marrow disorders.
• Monitoring Cancer Treatment: Individuals undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, may have regular CBC tests to monitor the impact of treatment on blood cell counts.

How is a CBC done?

For a full blood count, a healthcare professional inserts a blood sample into a vein in the arm, typically at the bend in the elbow. The test technician will:

• Use a wipe of antiseptic to clean the skin of the patient.
• Wraps an elastic band around the top of the arm to help the vein fill with blood.
• Sticks a needle into the vein and takes a sample of the blood in one or more syringes.
• The elastic band is removed, and a bandage is applied to the affected area to prevent any further bleeding.
• It is recommended to label the sample. The sample is then sent for a laboratory analysis.
• Upon completion of the test, patients can resume their normal activities immediately.

Getting a blood test can cause a bit of pain. One might feel a little prick or pinprick when the needle goes in, and they might feel faint or dizzy when they see blood. After the test, an individual might have some bruising, but it should go away in a few days.

What does a CBC measure?

A CBC is a medical procedure that involves the measurement, counting, evaluation and study of various components of the blood. These components include RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. Red blood cells (RBCs) play a vital role in the movement of oxygen throughout the body, while white blood cells (WBCs) are involved in the body's immune system and play a role in the fight against infections. Platelets are responsible for the production of blood clotting factors.

A CBC blood test fasting measures, quantifies, analyses and evaluates various components of the blood:

• CBC without differential quantifies the total white blood cell count.
• CBC with differential refers to the number of white blood cells produced by a patient. White blood cells (WBCs) are of five different types, and CBC with differential measures the number of each type of white blood cell.
• Haematocrit refers to the number of red blood cells present in the blood.
• Haemoglobin tests assess the levels of a protein in the red blood cells known as haemoglobin.

The CBC blood test is a diagnostic tool used by nearly every doctor to identify a variety of medical issues, disorders, illnesses and infections, such as:

• Anaemia is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells (RBCs) to carry oxygen around the body.
• Signs and symptoms of various disorders, including Agranulocytosis, Thalassemia, and Sesquipedal Anaemia.
• The diagnosis & management of bone marrow disorders, including those associated with myeloid-fibrosarcoma syndromes.
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 
• An infection or other condition that results in an unusually low or high number of white blood cells.
• Several types of cancer 
• Chemotherapy side effects and prescription medications

Risks of CBC Test

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a commonly performed and safe test. There are no associated risks, as only a small amount of blood is taken by your healthcare provider. While extremely uncommon, a few individuals may experience slight dizziness or lightheadedness after undergoing a CBC.

CBC Results

The report of the CBC blood test details will contain two columns: a "reference range" and the results. Results within the reference range are considered normal, while those above or below the reference range are classified as abnormal. The reference range is established by the laboratory that performs the blood tests.  

Generally, the reference ranges of CBCs used by medical professionals are listed below. Depending on the complete blood cell count, test findings may differ. For adults, the typical outcomes are as follows, though small variances in findings across laboratories may occur:

What the results may indicate?

Any results that are higher or lower than the normal range on a complete blood count may indicate an underlying issue.

• Red blood cell count, haemoglobin and hematocrit - The results of these three tests are connected because they each measure a different aspect of red blood cells. If the findings in any of these three categories are lower than normal, this is an indicator of anaemia. Red blood cell counts that are greater than usual are referred to as erythrocytosis.  High red blood cell or haemoglobin or haematocrit levels may be a sign of a medical condition, including blood cancer or heart disease.
• White Blood cell count - A reduction in the quantity of white blood cells in the body is a main sign of leukopenia. It can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders that reduce white blood cell production, bone marrow issues, or cancer. Additionally, multiple medications could aggravate the problem. A high number of white blood cells is typically a sign of an infection or an inflammation. Alternatively, it may be indicative of a deficiency in the immune system or an underlying bone marrow disorder. Additionally, elevated white blood cells may be a response to medication or strenuous physical activity.
• Platelet count - A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. A high platelet count is thrombocythemia. Both might be signs of a disease or a negative medicine response. Additional tests to identify the underlying reason are very certainly required in the event of a low platelet count.

What to expect after a CBC Test

After a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, you can typically expect the following:

• No Immediate Side Effects: In most cases, there are no immediate side effects or discomfort after a CBC test. The procedure is generally well-tolerated.
• Resume Normal Activities: You can usually resume your normal activities immediately after the blood draw. There are usually no restrictions on daily tasks or routines.
• Possible Mild Discomfort: Some people may experience mild discomfort at the site where the blood was drawn. This can include temporary bruising or soreness. Applying pressure to the puncture site can help minimize bruising.
• Stay Hydrated: It's advisable to stay well-hydrated after the test, as it can help prevent dizziness or lightheadedness. Drinking water can also facilitate blood flow and reduce the risk of bruising.
• Monitor for Unusual Symptoms: While rare, some individuals may feel faint or lightheaded after a blood draw. If you experience persistent or unusual symptoms, such as severe dizziness or fainting, it's essential to inform the healthcare provider or the clinic staff promptly.
• Wait for Results: The results of the CBC test are typically available within a short period. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and interpret them in the context of your overall health and medical history.

When should I get a CBC test done?

The CBC count test is a widely performed medical test. It can be conducted during routine medical examinations, when a diagnosis or assessment of a disease or condition is being conducted, or when a physician is evaluating the efficacy of a treatment. Since blood counts can be affected by many different illnesses, your doctor may suggest the CBC to identify the underlying cause of a variety of symptoms.

What do Abnormal Results mean?

There are a variety of potential causes for blood levels to be below or above the normal range, such as:

• Red blood cell (RBC) or haemoglobin levels can be an indication of anaemia or heart disease, as well as iron deficiency.
• A decrease in white blood cells may be indicative of an autoimmune disease, bone marrow disease, or cancer.
• The presence of a large number of white blood cells may indicate an infection or an allergic reaction to a medication.

If any of these levels are elevated, it does not necessarily mean that the patient has a medical condition that requires treatment. Factors such as diet, activity level, medications, menstrual cycle, water intake, and more can influence the results. Talk to a doctor to find out what the CBC test result means.

Conclusion

CBCs play a critical role in the maintenance of optimal health. Complete blood counts (CBCs) are utilised by healthcare providers to manage disease and promote health. With a single blood sample, a normal CBC test can detect various different disorders, conditions, and infections.

At CARE CHL Hospitals, our diagnostic centre and pathology lab are equipped with the most advanced technologies available, allowing us to offer a transparent pricing structure for the CBC Test. We are dedicated to providing accurate and high-quality results from the finest laboratories in India, with full transparency regarding test costs and turnaround times.

Reference:
https://www.testing.com/tests/complete-blood-count-cbc/
https://www.healthline.com/health/cbc#procedure
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/complete-blood-count
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/complete-blood-count