complete blood count (cbc) Test

A complete blood count, better known as a CBC, is one of the most commonly performed blood tests. It is a calculation of all the cellular components of blood which are determined by special machines that analyse the components of the blood.

The most important part of the CBC Test is the measure of the concentration of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood.

A hemogram is a methodical investigation of a blood examination especially with regards to the numeric, proportional, and morphological characteristics of the cellular components of the blood. A CBC Test Report highlights the size, shape, special features, and numerical of the solid elements of the blood and the CBC test price is usually very cost-effective. It is a group of CBC tests that diagnosis various components of the blood and includes : Leukocyte Count/Number of white blood cells (WBC),  Erythrocyte Count/Number of red blood cells (RBC), Hemoglobin Content (Hgb), Hematocrit (Hct), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Platelet Count and Volume, Red cell Distribution Width (RDW) . 

A complete blood count test cost is outweighed by the numerous benefits it brings through results from its analysis. However, the CBC test cost is usually not too exorbitant and is easily affordable. The CBC test cost offered at home also differ from traditional pathological labs. Portea™ provides this test at a price of Rs 210*. 

You can expect your CBC test report within 24 to 36 Hours from the time of collecting your blood sample.

Your doctor may advise you to get this test done for a number of reasons. These include:

Reviewing your overall health: A CBC can be ordered as a part of routine medical examination to help monitor your overall health. It can help screen a number of disorders like leukaemia or anaemia.

To diagnose medical conditions: If you are experiencing certain symptoms like fever, fatigue, bleeding, etc., a CBC may help diagnose the cause of these symptoms. If your doctor suspects that you have an infection, this test may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

To monitor medical conditions: If you have already been diagnosed with a blood disorder that affects blood cell count, this test may be used to monitor the condition.

To monitor treatments: If you are taking medication that affects your blood cell count, this test can be used to monitor your health and the improvement.

A hemogram is ordered as a part of routine medical exam to verify and asses general health status and to diagnose and monitor a variety of disorders such as anaemia, infection and many other diseases.

You may experience the following symptoms if you don't diagnose and rectify your medical condition through a CBC lab test:

• Fatigue 
• Weakness
• Inflammation
• Bruising
• Excessive bleeding 
• Clotting inflammation 
• Chest pain 
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Easy bruising 
• Heavy menstrual bleeding 
• Fever higher than 100.5F (38C) 
• Chills 

If your blood is to be tested for a CBC, there are no precautions that you have to take before the CBC blood test. You can eat and drink normally before the test. In case the blood sample will also be used for other tests, you may need to follow some specific precautions, which your doctor will inform you about. 

A CBC is not a definitive diagnostic test. It depends on why the test was advised to you, but results outside the normal ranges may or may not call for a follow-up test.

Some results of a CBC may indicate a problem. These are:

Red blood cell count, haemoglobin, and hematocrit: These three are related as they measure the various aspects of red blood cells. If they are low, you could have anaemia, and if they are high, it could point to underlying medical conditions like heart diseases or polycythemia vera.

White blood cell count: Low white blood cell counts could be caused by medical conditions that destroy white blood cells. These include autoimmune diseases, bone marrow issues, or even cancer. Some medications can also cause low WBC counts. Higher than normal white blood cell counts generally points to an inflammation or infection. It could also indicate immune disorders, bone marrow disease, or reaction to medication.

Platelet count: A lower or higher than normal platelet count is either a sign of a medical condition or can be attributed to medication. If your platelet count is outside the normal range, you will most likely require additional tests.

For more specifications about what your CBC results mean, you should consult with your doctor.

A complete blood count test is usually done at the hospital or doctor's clinic by injecting a needle through your vein. A blood sample is collected for analysis in the laboratory this way. 

Specimen type: EDTA (Blood Sample),

Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture - Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm.

Since a needle will be injected into your vein, you may be at possible risk for infections, a tinge of pain, and bruising

You may be recommended follow-up treatments based on the results of the test. Your test results may be affected if you take illicit drugs, eat stomach-full, or drink fluids before the time of drawing your blood sample. 

The results of your CBC test will reveal any abnormalities in your overall health, including whether or not you are at risk of blood-related medical conditions like anaemia or leukaemia. The following table shows the CBC Test Normal Range for patients

You can get your CBC test at home through our nursing and home care services. Our healthcare professionals will conduct a CBC checkup and send you your CBC lab test reports straight to your doorstep from the moment you opt for our services. You can search for your nearest testing centre by googling CBC test near me or simply call us to confirm the CBC test cost and go for our services for an affordable in-home solution.