The blood can be affected by changes in many organ systems; therefore, CBC results are helpful for examining a variety of illnesses. The complete blood count is one of the most widely used medical laboratory tests due to the amount of information it gives. A complete blood count or CBC is a test conducted to check the number of red and white blood cells, amount of hemoglobin in the blood, platelets, and other blood quality parameters.
Why Is CBC Test Done?
Through the CBC test, your healthcare professional monitors your overall health, and it can also be a part of a routine checkup. Moreover, it is one of the most common lab tests performed worldwide. There could be various reasons behind your healthcare provider asking for this test. One of the main reasons for a complete blood count test is:
- As a routine checkup
- Sometimes for continuous fever, fatigue, and weight loss
- For infection, severe bleeding, and other signs of cancer
- To check the effect of certain medicines and treatments
- For chronic kidney diseases
- To diagnose immune system disorders
- To check after effects of chemotherapy
What Is The Procedure for CBC Testing?
You can go to any nearby reputed clinical laboratory for your CBC. This test involves the following steps commonly.
- A medical team member draws blood for a complete blood count by putting a needle into a vein in your arm, typically near the bend of your elbow.
- An analysis of the blood sample is done in a lab. You can instantly resume your regular activities.
Above all, you are free to eat and drink anything before, after, and during this test.
CBC Test Results
Normal CBC test results are slightly different for males and females. Here is a brief summary of the expected normal results for both males and females.
| Parameters | Male | Female |
| RBC Count | 4.7 to 6.1 million cells/mcL | 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/mcL |
| WBC Count | 4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcL
|
4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcL
|
| Hematocrit | 40.7% to 50.3% | 36.1% to 44.3% |
| Hemoglobin | 13.8 to 17.2 gm/dL | 12.1 to 15.1 gm/dL |
| MCV | 80 to 95 femtolite | 80 to 95 femtolite |
| MCH | 27 to 31 pg/cell | 27 to 31 pg/cell |
| MCHC | 32 to 36 gm/dL | 32 to 36 gm/dL |
| Platelet Count | 135-317 billion/L | 157-371 billion/L |
What Do CBC Test Results Indicate?
CBC test results below and above normal level indicates different problems. Different test results have different meanings. According to the possible abnormal test results, follow problems could be the reason behind them.
- Abnormal Red Blood Cells, Hemoglobin, and Hematocrit Count
Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell counts are interlinked, as all three indicate red blood cells. You have anemia if the measurements in these three categories are below average. Numerous factors, such as low iron or specific vitamin levels, blood loss, or an underlying illness, can contribute to anemia. High haemoglobin or hematocrit levels or an abnormally high red blood cell count may indicate an underlying medical issue or heart disease.
- Abnormal White Blood Cell Count
A medical illness like cancer, a bone marrow issue, or an autoimmune sickness that destroys white blood cells can all contribute to leukopenia, a low white blood cell count. Additionally, several drugs might lower white blood cell counts. A higher-than-average white blood cell count could indicate an infection or inflammation. Additionally, it can be a sign of a bone marrow condition or an immune system issue. A negative drug reaction can also elevate white blood cell count.
- Abnormal Platelet Count
A platelet count that is abnormally low or excessively high is frequently a symptom of an underlying medical issue or an adverse drug effect. You will probably need additional testing if your platelet count is outside the usual range to determine the cause. Your doctor might help you better if your CBC test report isn’t normal. He will prescribe the right medicines for you, so your complete blood count report becomes normal.
Choose a Certified and Reputed Clinical Laboratory For CBC
If you need to get your CBC test done, you should choose reputed clinical laboratories or emergency rooms. People living in Dallas or nearby areas can visit ER of Dallas as it offers state-of-the-art lab testing services. From CBC tests to EKG tests, they offer a wide range of lab tests and provide results within less possible time.
