What is a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
Complete blood count is a comprehensive test for the measurement of the amount of blood cells present in the blood. This test gives valuable insights into the health condition of an individual, the components of the blood cells include red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. All these components play an essential role in the regulation of normal bodily functions for instance red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the whole body with the help of hemoglobin, white blood cells help fight infections within the body, and are primary components of the immune system, and the platelets are essential for blood clotting.
The presence of the blood cells in abnormal quantities indicates underlying health conditions and the presence of an infection.
How is the Test Performed?
A complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a simple straightforward test that includes the blood drawn from the vein, typically from the arm.
Preparation
- No dietary restrictions are needed for Complete Blood Count (CBC).
- Fasting might be required if this test is part of an extensive testing panel.
Laboratory Analysis
- A technician analyzes the sample using an automated analyzer.
- The reports are available within a day.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to monitor an already existing condition, diagnose an underlying condition, or as a part of a routine checkup to assess the overall health;
General symptoms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Weight loss without known reason
- Swollen lymph nodes
Inflammation or infection symptoms
- Redness and swelling
- Signs of systemic infection including fever, chills, etc.
- Recurrent infection or difficulty recovering from an illness
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The normal ranges of the complete blood count vary according to age and gender. The generally accepted reference range is given below;
Red Blood Cells
Male: 4.35 to 5.65 million/mm3
Female: 3.92 to 5.13 million/mm3
White Blood Cells – 5000 to 10000 cells/mm3
Hemoglobin
Male: 13 to 16 g/dL
Female: 11.5 to 15.5 g/dL
Hemotocrit
Male: 40% to 55%
Female: 36% 48%
Platelet – 150000 to 400000 cells/mm3
** The above-given values are for general guidelines only and vary between laboratories. For accurate diagnosis consult your healthcare provider. **
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
When abnormal results of complete blood count are observed, it indicates the following disorders that the person might have;
Low RBC, Hematocrit, or Hemoglobin
- Anemia
- Nutritional deficiency
High RBC, Hematocrit, or Hemoglobin
- Polycythemia vera
- Could be due to living at high altitudes
- Dehydration
Low WBC
- Autoimmune disorder
- Bone marrow failure
- Severe infection
High WBC
- Blood cancer such as leukemia
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Stress
Low Platelet
- Autoimmune disorders
- Medications
- Severe infections
High Platelet
- Myeloproliferative disorders
- Infection
- Chronic Inflammation
