CBC Test : Price, Procedure, Results

Complete blood count helps evaluate the number of circulating blood cells and the amount of hemoglobin present in red blood cells (RBCs).

Many conditions like anemia, leukemia, platelet deficiency, bacterial infections can be diagnosed using CBC test by assessing the abnormalities in the number of blood cells. Infections and allergies can also be identified when a differential WBC count is done.

CBC is performed for a number of reasons, as it helps diagnose various medical conditions by evaluating several components of the blood.

• CBC helps diagnose underlying conditions responsible for various symptoms, especially conditions involving fever, swelling, fatigue, weakness, bruising or bleeding.
  • Along with hemoglobin, RBC count helps diagnose anemia and identify its types.
  • A WBC count helps in the diagnosis of infection, while a differential WBC count helps to differentiate bacterial, viral and parasitic infections.
  • Platelet level helps in assessing bleeding and clotting disorders.

• Monitoring of Medical Conditions: CBC helps in monitoring the blood count closely in case of blood disorders like leukemia. It is generally recommended to keep an eye on the severity of the condition.
• Monitoring Medical Treatment: Blood counts, when performed sequentially or at regular intervals, can help evaluate response to treatment, especially for bacterial infections and blood disorders.

This can be a usual routine blood test and there is no requirement for any preparation.

This is a simple test which takes less than five minutes. An experienced phlebotomist collects a blood sample from a vein in arm by inserting a small needle.

A small amount of blood is drawn into a sterile vial or a test tube. A momentary prick is experienced when the needle goes into the vein.

There is minimal risk of injection site pain, mild headache or bruising.

However, most of the time these small symptoms disappear quickly. 

There is a rare chance of infection at the site of blood withdrawal. In the latter cases, it is important to see a doctor at the earliest to prevent further spread of the infection.

CBC test results differ between different age groups and there is a slight difference in blood volume for men and women.

Normal Level

• Hemoglobin

• • • Male: 13-16 g/dL
    • Women: 11.5-14.5 g/dL

• RBC

• • • Male: 4.32 to 5.72 million/mL
    • Female: 3.92 to 5.13 million/ml

• WBC

• • • 4,000-11,000 cells/mL

• Platelet

• • 1.5-4.5 lac/ml

Abnormal Results:

Some of the situations that lead to high values ​​in various components of the CBC test are mentioned below:

• Hemoglobin: People living at high altitude or in chronic smokers.
• RBC count: polycythemia vera, heart disease or recent incident of anemia.
• WBC count: Infection (usually bacterial), inflammation, bone marrow disorders, immune system disorder, or leukemia.
• Platelet count: Rare but usually indicates side effects of medicines.

Some of the conditions leading to low values ​​in various components of CBC test are mentioned below:-

• Hemoglobin: anemia; A combination of hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC count to differentiate the type of anemia
• RBC count: hemolytic anemia and acute blood loss
• WBC count (leukopenia): bone marrow disease, autoimmune diseases as well as cancer.
• Platelet count (thrombocytopenia): hemophilia, infection (dengue or malaria) or thrombocytopenia purpura.

Your doctor may order more tests to find out if you have a disease or blood condition,

Including :-

• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): This test tells how much hemoglobin is in your normal red blood cells.
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): It measures the concentration of hemoglobin in a certain amount of blood.
• Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): This shows the variation in the size in red blood cells. 
• Reticulocyte count: This is the measure of new red blood cells in the body.
• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): This result gives the average size of platelets in your blood.
• Platelet Distribution Width (PDW): This shows the difference in the size of your platelets.
• White Blood Cell Difference: There are five types of white blood cells:
  • Basophils
  • Eosinophils
  • Lymphocytes
  • Monocytes
  • Neutrophils

This estimates how many of each type have in the body.

The various tests that are done during pregnancy and CBC is one of them. 

This is important as it indicates infection in a pregnant woman.

The result of the CBC test is used by the gynecologist as a measure of protection for both the mother and the baby.

It is one of the important tests performed during pregnancy to maintain and improve the overall health of mother and baby and to prevent unseen health risks.

The prices of CBC components vary after three months or every quarter.

Red Blood Cell

A healthy level of hemoglobin ensures a good supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus inside the womb. 

Low level of RBC means low level of hemoglobin and it causes fatigue, as iron supplements are recommended during pregnancy.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells have an important role during pregnancy. An ideal level of all types of WBC ensures the protection of mother and child from any infection. It indicates any blood related diseases in the mother.

Blood Platelets

A high level of platelets during pregnancy can cause internal blood clots and bleeding, and a low level of platelets can inhibit blood clotting.