Role of Complete Blood Count (CBC) in Routine Health Screenings
A CBC test measures the different components of your blood and can tell a doctor a lot about your current health status. It is often included in routine health screenings to assess your overall health and detect any health problems.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a standard test used to measure various components in the blood, aiding in the identification of various conditions. Doctors assess different blood cell levels and compare them with the expected levels for an individual of the same age and sex. Variances can signify an underlying condition or other issues. Read on to learn all about CBC test price, purpose and everything else it entails.
What Does CBC Measure?
A CBC test primarily measures the three fundamental types of blood cells, which include:
1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These cells transport oxygen throughout the body and eliminate carbon dioxide. CBC evaluates two aspects of red blood cells:
- Haematocrit: The percentage of RBCs in your blood.
- Haemoglobin: The oxygen-carrying protein.
Low levels of haematocrit and haemoglobin often indicate anaemia, a condition resulting from insufficient iron in the blood.
2. White Blood Cells (WBCs): White blood cells aid the body in combating infections. CBC measures the types and quantity of WBCs present. Any abnormal decreases or increases in the types of WBCs may signify inflammation, infection or cancer.
3. Platelets: They assist in blood clotting and the regulation of bleeding. When a wound stops bleeding, it’s due to the action of platelets. Alterations in platelet levels can heighten the risk of excessive bleeding and may indicate a serious medical condition.
CBC consists of several tests performed by analysing a sample of your blood, extracted from a vein in your arm. The CBC test price can differ, depending on the diagnostic lab you choose. At Apollo 24|7, the CBC test price is very reasonable.
What Role Does CBC Play in Health Screenings?
Your doctor may recommend CBC as part of a routine check-up or if you have unexplained symptoms such as bruising or bleeding. CBC can help your doctor do the following:
- Assess Your Overall Health Status: Many doctors will order CBC so they can have a baseline view of your health. CBC also helps your doctor screen for any health problems.
- Diagnose a Condition: Your healthcare provider may ask you to get CBC done if you experience unexplained symptoms like tiredness, fever, weakness, redness, bruising, swelling, or bleeding.
- Monitor a Condition: Your doctor may regularly order CBC tests to monitor your condition if you have been diagnosed with a disorder that affects blood cell counts.
- Track Your Treatment: Certain medical treatments can affect your blood cell counts and may require regular CBC tests. Your doctor can evaluate how well your treatment is working based on your CBC result.
What are Normal CBC Results?
The following ranges are considered normal when it comes to CBC test results:
| Red Blood Cell count | In women: 3.92-5.13 million cells/mcL In men: 4.35-5.65 million cells/mcL |
| White Blood Cell count | 3,400-9600 cells/mcL |
| Platelet count | In male: 135000 to 317000 /mcL In female: 157000 to 371000 /mcL
|
What Can Abnormal CBC Results Indicate?
CBC is not a conclusive diagnostic test. Abnormal blood cell counts, whether too low or too high, could indicate a range of conditions. Specialised tests are necessary to diagnose a particular condition. Here’s what might cause an abnormal CBC and may necessitate further testing.
1. High Red Blood Cell Count
A high RBC count can indicate:
- Smoking
- Carbon monoxide exposure
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart conditions
- Alcohol use disorder
- Kidney disease
- Polycythemia vera
- Liver disease
2. Low Red Blood Cell Count
A low red blood cell count can indicate:
- Bleeding
- Anaemia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bone marrow disorders
- Use of certain drugs
- Iron, folate or vitamin B12 deficiency
- Chronic kidney disease
3. High White Blood Cell Count
A high white blood cell count can indicate:
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Medication use
- Injury
- An immune condition
- Cancer
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Allergic reactions
4. Low White Blood Cell Count
A low WBC count can indicate:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Bone marrow disorders
- Severe infection like sepsis
- Dietary deficiencies
- Lymphoma, a type of cancer
- Conditions affecting the immune system like HIV or AIDS
5. High Platelet Count
A high platelet count can indicate:
- Recovery from surgery or injury
- Cancer
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Anaemia
- Infections
- Inflammatory conditions
6. Low Platelet Count
A low platelet count can indicate:
- Cancer
- Certain medications
- Anaemia
- Infections
- Viruses
- Chemotherapy
- Autoimmune conditions
- Chronic bleeding
CBC is a safe and commonly used test for numerous conditions. Various conditions can impact the quantity and properties of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets. CBC can identify any deviation from normal levels and whether they necessitate attention. It’s often included in routine check-ups ordered by doctors.
