What is CBC (Complete Blood Count)?

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) test provides important information about the blood components, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. It is often used as a screening tool to assess overall health, detect various medical conditions, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

Human blood comprises components like red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, essential for various physiological processes in your body. RBCs are the abundant cells in the blood that consist of a protein called hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body. WBCs form the part of the immune system that helps protect the body against infections and other diseases. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help form clots to stop bleeding after an injury. As these blood cell types perform vital functions, determining their levels helps provide important health information.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) test is a standard blood test that measures the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets, which help detect and diagnose various conditions such as anemia, infections, bleeding disorders, leukemia, and other blood-related diseases. This test can provide important insights into your overall health status and guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions. No special preparation is needed for a CBC test. You can eat or drink normally as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate an overall treatment plan.

What is CBC (Complete Blood Count) used for?

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) test can be done:

• As part of routine health checkups to monitor your overall health. 
• If you have symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, or fever.
• To identify diseases like anemia (low number of red blood cells), immune system disorders, blood cancers, bleeding disorders, etc.
• To monitor the effects of treatments known to affect blood cells, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.