The CBC test is otherwise called the complete blood count test. It is often recommended by physicians to check the blood parameters and cell count. When patients go to a doctor, a CBC test is one of the tests the doctor usually recommends. The test can tell a lot about the overall health of a person and the underlying conditions he suffers from.
What does the complete blood count measure?
The complete blood count measures the quantity of the following cells-
- Red blood cells or erythrocytes
- White blood cells or leukocytes
- Quantitative level of haemoglobin and relative oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- Hematocrit
- Platelet level determines the blood clotting ability when injured.
Blood is the essential fluid that circulates in our bodies. The composition of blood and different blood cells can tell us if we are healthy or ailing. An unhealthy person would have elevated or lower levels of blood cells. After an unusual level of these cells is detected, the doctor suggests more tests to diagnose diseases.
Why is the CBC test recommended?
A CBC test is recommended if the following needs arise-
Evaluate your overall health
Your overall health is closely linked with your blood functions and immunity system. A CBC test helps you know the changes in your blood composition and circulation. Regular testing with a complete blood count helps evaluate your health and any changes in your vitals.
Diagnose a health problem
Disease and immunity systems are closely linked. Therefore, the changes due to health problems reflect in the immunity system and blood cells. The diagnosis of a health problem includes many tests, and the CBC test is one such. If you have symptoms of common health problems like weakness, dizziness, and continuous fatigue, then the doctor will suggest a common blood count test.
Monitoring a health problem
If you are suffering from a health problem, most likely a chronic one, doctors will suggest the CBC test for health and disease monitoring. Chronic disease can show up in the blood count and blood parameters. The changes in your body due to chronic diseases also affect the blood cells. If your blood count is normal, then your chronic disease is under control.
Monitor your treatment of disease
When we suffer from acute diseases, treatment is of utmost importance. There are different treatment approaches and not all work for everyone. When a doctor starts your disease treatment plan, he will continue certain tests to monitor the treatment. At the beginning of the treatment, blood parameters will likely be unusual.
On the other hand, as the treatment progresses and is effective, the doctor will monitor the treatment via CBC and other vital tests. Based on CBC and other tests, the doctor will determine if the treatment is working or not. Based on the information collected from the tests, the doctor will continue or change the treatment approach. You can take a second opinion from other specialists based on the CBC results.
What are the results of the CBC test?
The results of the CBC test can differ for men and women. The test ranges for CBC are as follows-
Red blood cells- 4.32-5.72 million cells/mcL in males- normal ranges
3.90-5.03 million cells/mcL in females- normal ranges
White blood cells-3,500 to 10,500 cells/mcL for men and women in normal ranges
Haemoglobin– In men, the haemoglobin level ranges between 135-175 grams/L
In women, the haemoglobin level ranges between 120-155 grams/L
Hematocrit- In men, 38.8-50.0 percent
In women, 34.9-44.5 percent
What happens in the CBC test?
The CBC test procedure is simple and relatively risk-free. There are no specific preparations for this test. You do not have to fast or stay thirsty before the CBC test. Go for the test procedure in the morning. The CBC test costs between rupees 300 to 500 and is available at most laboratories in India.
In a reputed laboratory, a trained phlebotomist will carry out the test. When going for the test, wear a loose roll-up shirt or top. You can even wear a short-sleeved shirt for blood sample collection. It takes a couple of days for test results to come out.
Conclusion
For accurate test results, get your test done from a reputed lab just go for booking any online blood tests at home. It will help your doctor determine the treatment plan. Even if you are not suffering from any disease, you can undergo the CBC test to determine health parameters for a routine check.
