The CBC Test means Complete Blood Count test. This commonly used diagnostic test assesses various blood components, such as red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, each playing a vital role in your body’s health.

The CBC test determines the counts of these cells and their indices, helping to diagnose related conditions. For example, a low WBC count may indicate infection, inflammation, or immune disorders, while low RBC levels suggest anaemia. The test also measures haemoglobin (the protein in RBCs that carries oxygen) and haematocrit (the proportion of RBCs in the blood).

Also known as the Full Blood test, the CBC assesses your overall health and detects various conditions, including infections and blood disorders. It is often used to monitor responses to treatments for conditions like anaemia and infection, chemotherapy or medications affecting blood cell production. Additionally, as part of routine health checkups, a CBC can uncover underlying health issues that may not yet show symptoms, enabling early diagnosis and better management of potential conditions.

CBC Test cost ranges from ₹550. Our CBC Test cost includes the fastest home sample collection within 60 minutes of booking the test. Orange Health Labs offers competitive pricing with the added benefit of sample collection from the comfort of your home. Please note that the test price may vary based on your location and the specific laboratory chosen. Orange Health Lab’s CBC Test cost in various cities is as follows:

To ensure accuracy of the CBC test results, you should follow these precautions before the test:

Pre-requisites: Fasting is not required for a CBC test, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment. However, you must inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect the test results.

Precautions Before the Test: Staying well-hydrated is crucial before the test. Drink plenty of water to ensure that your veins are easier to access during blood collection. It’s advisable to avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous physical activities or heavy exercise before the test.

The CBC test involves the collection of a blood sample. Once you book the test with Orange Health Labs, a skilled and experienced eMedic will arrive at your desired location for sample collection. The testing procedure steps are as follows:

• Preparation: The eMedic will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to sit comfortably in a chair.

• Site Selection: A suitable vein, usually in the inner elbow area, will be selected and the skin in this area will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.

• Needle Insertion: A needle will be inserted in the vein and blood will be drawn. You might feel a mild pinch or sting during this step.

• Blood Collection: The required amount of blood will be collected in a vial.

• Needle Removal: The eMedic will remove the needle and apply pressure on the needle insertion site with a gauze pad to stop any bleeding.

• Bandaging: Lastly, a small bandage will be placed over the puncture site to protect it.

All the different components of blood perform essential functions that keep your body working smoothly – RBCs transport oxygen, WBCs defend against infections, and platelets control bleeding. Monitoring these cells through a Blood Count test helps assess your overall health and detect a range of conditions.

A CBC test is commonly ordered for several reasons, such as:

• Routine Health Checkup: A CBC test is often part of a regular health exam to monitor your overall health and detect any underlying conditions.

• Investigating Unexplained Symptoms: If you experience symptoms like fatigue, fever, unintended weight loss, bruising, or night sweats, your treating doctor may use a CBC test report to help find the cause.

• Monitoring Health Conditions: A CBC test is crucial for tracking chronic conditions like cancer, kidney disease, or immune disorders as it provides valuable information about your body’s response to these conditions.

• Evaluating Treatment Effects: Certain treatments or medications can impact blood cell counts, and a CBC helps determine how well treatments are working or if treatment adjustments are needed.

• Pregnancy Monitoring: During pregnancy, a CBC can help monitor your health and ensure that any changes in the blood composition are detected early.

By evaluating RBCs, WBCs, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets, a CBC can help diagnose conditions like anaemia, infections, immune disorders, and even blood cancers.

A CBC test is recommended for a wide range of health conditions. Individuals who may benefit from regular CBC testing include:

• People with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders should regularly get a CBC done as these conditions can affect blood cell counts and overall function.

• Individuals with concerning symptoms, like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, unusual bruising, frequent infections, or prolonged fever can undergo a CBC test to identify underlying causes such as infections or anaemia.

• Some medications, such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs, can impact blood cell production. A CBC helps track the effects of these medicines and ensures treatment is safely managed.

• During pregnancy, monitoring blood cell levels is crucial to ensure both maternal and foetal health.

• People with a family history of blood disorders or blood cancers should get the CBC test done regularly to facilitate early diagnosis of the conditions.

Each parameter in a CBC test contributes to a comprehensive understanding of blood health. Here’s an overview of the key parameters included in a CBC test:

• RBC Count: This measures the number of RBCs in a given volume of blood. RBCs are crucial for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

• Haemoglobin (Hb): Haemoglobin is the protein in RBCs responsible for oxygen transport. This parameter indicates the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

• Haematocrit (HCT) / Packed Cell Volume (PCV): This parameter measures the proportion of blood volume made up of RBCs.

• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): MCV depicts the average size of RBCs. This value helps classify different types of anaemia based on cell size.

• Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH): This parameter indicates the average amount of haemoglobin in each RBC. It also indicates the haemoglobin content and overall quality of RBCs.

• Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): MCHC measures the concentration of haemoglobin in a given volume of RBCs.

• Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) CV: This parameter assesses the variability in the size of RBCs.

• Total WBC Count (TC): This measures the total number of WBCs in the blood, which play a crucial role in the immune response of the body.

• Differential and Absolute Counts: This includes the proportions and exact counts of the five main types of WBCs: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils. Each type has distinct functions in the immune system, and their levels are often associated with various diseases.

• Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR): This ratio compares the number of neutrophils to lymphocytes. An abnormal NLR can indicate underlying inflammation or stress response in the body.

• Platelet Count: This parameter evaluates the number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for blood clotting. Abnormal platelet counts can indicate bleeding disorders or thrombotic conditions (blockage in blood vessels due to blood clots).

• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): MPV measures the average size of platelets in the blood. Larger platelets may indicate increased platelet production in response to bleeding or inflammation.

Signs that indicate you may need a CBC test include:

• Unexplained fatigue

• Frequent infections

• Unusual bruising or bleeding

• Unintended weight loss or gain

• Fever or chills

• Swelling/ Inflammation

• Pale skin or jaundice

The table below outlines the CBC normal values for each parameter, along with their interpretations and possible abnormal results.

Several factors can influence the CBC test results including medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and certain medications.

Impact of Medications and Lifestyle on CBC Results

Certain medications like corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and growth hormone therapies may alter blood cell counts or haemoglobin levels. 10,11 Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, physical and emotional stress, and intense exercise can influence red blood cell production and overall blood composition.

Medical Conditions That Can Impact CBC Results

Illnesses like infections, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus lead to increased WBC count. Conditions like HIV and certain cancers lead to decreased WBC count. Dehydration, heart disease, and lung disease due to smoking can cause increased RBC count. Conditions like anaemia, alcohol use disorder, pregnancy, kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, or malnutrition may result in decreased RBC count and haemoglobin levels.

How Anaemia and Blood Disorders Affect CBC Results

Anaemia and blood disorders significantly impact CBC results. Here is how different types of anaemia alter the CBC test results:

• Iron-deficiency anaemia leads to low RBC count, haemoglobin, and haematocrit levels, often with smaller-sized RBCs (with low MCV).

• In vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, RBCs are larger than normal (with high MCV).

• Sickle cell anaemia shows low RBC count and haemoglobin with irregularly shaped cells.

• Thalassemia presents with low haemoglobin and small RBCs but with normal RBC distribution.

• Leukaemia affects WBC counts, often lowering platelet and RBC levels, while polycythaemia vera leads to elevated RBC count, haemoglobin, and haematocrit due to excessive RBC production.

Abnormalities in the CBC test results may indicate underlying health issues that may require further evaluation and management.

Consulting a Doctor for High/Abnormal CBC Levels

High or low blood counts in RBCs, WBCs, or platelets may indicate various conditions. A doctor can help interpret your CBC results and recommend further tests or treatment if necessary.

Addressing Abnormal CBC Results

If your CBC results reveal significant abnormalities such as anaemia, low platelet count, or elevated WBCs, it's important to discuss these findings with your doctor. They can help identify potential causes such as nutrient deficiencies, infections, or chronic diseases and suggest lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, or medication to manage the condition.

When Are Lifestyle Changes Not Enough?

Sometimes, abnormal CBC results may persist despite lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet or managing stress. In such cases, medical intervention may be required to address the condition.

Medication Adjustments Based on CBC Levels

A CBC is monitored during the treatment of health conditions, such as cancer, leukaemia, hepatitis or liver damage, autoimmune diseases, and bleeding disorders, to assess how the body is responding to treatment and to detect any potential complications. It helps track changes in blood cell levels, which can indicate the effectiveness of treatment and allows adjustment of treatments if needed.

The CBC test offers numerous benefits in the diagnosis and monitoring of health conditions, as follows:

Provides Comprehensive Blood Health Assessment: A CBC offers a complete overview of your blood health by measuring multiple parameters in a single test.

Is Valuable for Routine Checkups: Including CBC in regular check-ups helps maintain normal blood levels and supports proactive health management.

Allows Early Detection of Health Issues: CBC tests can detect problems like infections, anaemia, and bleeding disorders early, even before symptoms appear. For instance, a low RBC count and haemoglobin levels may indicate anaemia.

Allows for Monitoring of Chronic Conditions: Regular CBCs help track the impact of diseases like diabetes or hypertension on blood health.

Is a Cost-Effective Tool: The CBC test is relatively inexpensive and provides a comprehensive overview of your health, thus helping prevent complications and the need for expensive treatments in the future.

Some common diseases that can be diagnosed with a CBC Test include:

• Anaemia

• Infections

• Leukaemia

• Thrombocytopenia

• Autoimmune diseases

• Polycythaemia

• Thrombocytosis

Blood-related disorders can arise from a combination of risk factors, such as:

• Ageing

• Family history of blood disorders

• Chronic diseases like kidney or liver disease

• Lifestyle habits

• Prolonged use of certain medications

• Autoimmune diseases

• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy

• Certain infections, such as hepatitis and HIV

• Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, iron, or folate deficiency

Regular checking of CBC in individuals with these risk factors allows for early diagnosis and treatment of their health conditions.

Untreated abnormalities in CBC levels can lead to a variety of serious complications that may affect overall health. Here is how abnormal cell counts in CBC can cause health complications:

RBCs: High RBC levels, known as polycythaemia, can lead to complications such as blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and hypertension. Conversely, low RBC levels, or anaemia, may result in fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and, in severe cases, is associated with heart failure.

WBCs: An elevated WBC count can be associated with chronic inflammation and blood cancers like leukaemia. On the other hand, low WBC level, or leukopenia, is associated with weak immunity, frequent infections, and delayed wound healing. 10

Platelets: High platelet counts, called thrombocytosis, can lead to severe complications like the formation of blood clots and stroke. Low platelet levels, known as thrombocytopenia, can cause bleeding, easy bruising, petechiae (tiny red spots), and even internal haemorrhage in severe cases.

Maintaining healthy RBC, WBC, and platelet counts is essential for overall well-being. Here are some lifestyle tips to help improve your CBC parameter levels:

• Make sure you consume a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Also include lean meats, beans, leafy greens, and fish in your diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

• Engage in moderate physical activity like walking, cycling, or swimming as a part of a healthy lifestyle.

• Drink plenty of fluids to maintain adequate hydration.

• Limit smoking and alcohol consumption.

• Maintain good hygiene by washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with sick individuals.

• Ensure that you are up to date on your vaccinations for protection from infections.

By adopting these healthy lifestyle habits, you can help regulate your CBC test levels and support overall blood health.

There are other, similar tests available that can provide a broader view of your health. These include the following:

• The CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein) detects inflammation related to infections or chronic diseases like arthritis. An Iron Panel checks iron levels for diagnosing iron deficiency anaemia.

• Vitamin B12 Test and folate levels are useful for diagnosing certain types of anaemia.

• Coagulation tests are done to detect clotting disorders in the body.

• A Reticulocyte Count test is used to evaluate bone marrow function in anaemia.

• Thyroid Function tests are conducted to diagnose thyroid disorders, which can cause fatigue or weight changes similar to anaemia.

A CBC test may be combined with other tests for an accurate diagnosis of an illness. Some of the tests done with CBC include:

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test : The ESR test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube in one hour and is a key indicator of inflammation. When done with the CBC test, it helps in diagnosing conditions like infections, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer.

• Lipid Panel: The CBC test can also be combined with a CBC Test to evaluate cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.

• Kidney Function Tests (KFTs) and Liver Function Tests (LFTs) : CBC may also be combined with Kidney Function Test or Liver Function Test for evaluation of individuals with kidney or liver disease, respectively.

The role of CBC remains integral in the diagnosis of multiple illnesses during special conditions such as:

• Pregnancy: CBC testing is crucial for monitoring both the mother's and baby's health. Regular CBC tests can help with the early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like anaemia (common during pregnancy), infections, and clotting disorders in pregnant women.

• Differential Diagnosis of Anaemia: The CBC test can also aid in the differential diagnosis of various conditions. RDW, a component of CBC, helps distinguish between different types of anaemia, with increased RDW indicating iron-deficiency anaemia and normal RDW suggesting thalassemia.

• Differential Diagnosis of Anaemia: The RBC indices such as MCV, MCH, and MCHC along with haemoglobin and haematocrit are also assessed in differentiating the type of anaemia.

• Cardiovascular Outcomes: In individuals with heart diseases, high MPV is linked to worse cardiovascular outcomes. RDW is also significant in diagnosing non-haematological conditions like heart diseases and infections.

• Other Special Conditions: Individuals with autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders, and those undergoing chemotherapy may also require frequent CBC monitoring to track how they influence blood cell counts.