🩸 Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test – A Complete Guide by PSPATHLAB

When it comes to routine health checkups, one of the most commonly recommended tests is the Complete Blood Count (CBC). At PSPATHLAB, we believe in educating patients about their health reports so they can make informed decisions.

This detailed guide will help you understand:

• What a CBC test is
• Why it is important
• What parameters are included
• Normal ranges
• What abnormal values may indicate
• When doctors recommend it
• Why choose PSPATHLAB

🔬 What is a CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test?

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates the overall health of your blood. It measures different components of blood, including:

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
• White Blood Cells (WBCs)
• Hemoglobin (Hb)
• Hematocrit (HCT)
• Platelets
• RBC indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW)

This simple test provides crucial insights into infections, anemia, immune health, clotting disorders, and many other medical conditions.

🧪 Why is CBC Test Important?

Doctors recommend CBC for multiple reasons:

✔ Routine health checkups
✔ Detecting anemia
✔ Diagnosing infections
✔ Monitoring chronic diseases
✔ Evaluating fatigue or weakness
✔ Before surgery
✔ Monitoring chemotherapy treatment

A CBC test acts as an early warning system for many underlying health conditions.

📊 CBC Test Parameters Explained in Detail

Let’s break down each component:

1️⃣ Red Blood Cells (RBC)

Function: Carry oxygen from lungs to the rest of the body.

Normal Range:

• Men: 4.7–6.1 million cells/mcL
• Women: 4.2–5.4 million cells/mcL

Low RBC may indicate:

• Anemia
• Blood loss
• Nutritional deficiency

High RBC may indicate:

• Dehydration
• Lung disease
• Polycythemia

2️⃣ Hemoglobin (Hb)

Function: Protein in RBC that carries oxygen.

Normal Range:

• Men: 13.8–17.2 g/dL
• Women: 12.1–15.1 g/dL

Low Hb:

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Chronic disease

High Hb:

• Dehydration
• Smoking-related increase

3️⃣ Hematocrit (HCT)

Function: Percentage of blood made up of RBCs.

Normal Range:

• Men: 40–50%
• Women: 36–44%

Helps confirm anemia or dehydration.

4️⃣ White Blood Cells (WBC)

Function: Fight infections.

Normal Range: 4,000–11,000 cells/mcL

High WBC (Leukocytosis):

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Stress
• Leukemia

Low WBC (Leukopenia):

• Viral infections
• Bone marrow disorders
• Autoimmune diseases

5️⃣ Platelets

Function: Help in blood clotting.

Normal Range: 150,000–450,000 platelets/mcL

Low Platelets:

• Dengue
• Bone marrow problems
• Immune disorders

High Platelets:

• Inflammation
• Iron deficiency
• Certain cancers

🧬 RBC Indices – Advanced CBC Markers

These help doctors identify the type of anemia.

🔹 MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)

• Shows average size of RBC
• Low = Iron deficiency anemia
• High = Vitamin B12 deficiency

🔹 MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)

• Amount of hemoglobin per RBC

🔹 MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)

• Concentration of hemoglobin in RBC

🔹 RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width)

• Variation in RBC size

🏥 When Should You Get a CBC Test?

You should consider a CBC test if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue
• Fever
• Frequent infections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin

Regular screening is also advised for:

• Diabetic patients
• Hypertensive patients
• Elderly individuals
• Pregnant women

⏱ How is the CBC Test Performed?

• A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
• No fasting is usually required (unless combined with other tests).
• The procedure takes 5–10 minutes.
• Reports are typically available within 24 hours at PSPATHLAB.

📈 How to Prepare for a CBC Test?

Generally, no special preparation is needed. However:

• Inform your doctor about medications
• Stay hydrated
• Follow instructions if combined with other tests

🌟 Why Choose PSPATHLAB for CBC Testing?

At PSPATHLAB, we offer:

✔ Advanced automated analyzers
✔ Accurate & reliable reports
✔ Experienced pathologists
✔ Quick turnaround time
✔ Affordable pricing
✔ Home sample collection facility
✔ Strict hygiene and safety standards

Our goal is to deliver precise diagnostic services that you can trust.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is CBC a fasting test?

No, fasting is not required unless advised by your doctor.

❓ How often should I get a CBC test?

Once a year for routine checkups, or as recommended by your physician.

❓ Can CBC detect cancer?

CBC alone cannot confirm cancer but may indicate abnormalities requiring further investigation.

🩺 Final Thoughts

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most powerful and basic diagnostic tools in modern medicine. It helps detect a wide range of disorders early and supports doctors in planning effective treatment.

If you are looking for accurate and affordable CBC testing, trust PSPATHLAB for reliable diagnostics and timely reports.

📞 Book Your CBC Test Today!
Take charge of your health with early detection and professional diagnostic support.

PSPATHLAB – Accurate Reports. Trusted Care. Better Health.