CBC stands for Complete Blood Count, which is a type of blood test that measures various components of your blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, haemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The CBC test is a routine medical examination that helps doctors assess your overall health and detect any underlying medical conditions. It is a simple and non-invasive procedure that involves drawing a small sample of blood from your arm and analysing it in a laboratory. The CBC test is often recommended as part of a routine health check-up or to diagnose specific health problems.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CBC EXAMINATION?
Once the results of the CBC Test are available, your doctor will explain them to you. If any values are out of range, your doctor may recommend additional testing to ascertain the cause. Some common results and what they may signify are:
- Low RBC count: A low RBC count can indicate anaemia, a condition where your body lacks enough red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body. It can also indicate malnutrition, blood loss, or kidney problems.
- High RBC count: A high RBC count can indicate conditions such as polycythemia, a condition where your body produces too many red blood cells, or dehydration.
- Low WBC count: A low WBC count can indicate a weakened immune system, bone marrow problems, or autoimmune disorders.
- High WBC count: A high WBC count can indicate an infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions such as leukaemia.
- Low platelet count: A low platelet count can indicate blood clotting problems or other conditions such as thrombocytopenia.
- High platelet count: A high platelet count can indicate anaemia or other conditions such as thrombocythemia.
It’s important to note that CBC test results alone cannot diagnose a medical condition. Your doctor will interpret the results along with other factors such as your medical history, physical examination, and other diagnostic tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
What is the Importance of the CBC Test?
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test or complete blood screening is an important diagnostic tool that helps doctors evaluate a person's overall health and detect certain medical conditions. The CBC test measures different components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Here are some of the reasons why the CBC test is important:
- Detection of medical conditions: The CBC test can help doctors detect a wide range of medical conditions, such as anaemia, infection, leukaemia, and clotting disorders. By examining the levels of different blood components, doctors can determine if a person has a medical condition and if further testing or treatment is necessary.
- Monitoring medical conditions: For people with existing medical conditions, the CBC test can help doctors monitor the progress of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. For example, if a person is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, the CBC test can help doctors monitor the person's blood cell count and adjust treatment as necessary.
- Early detection of medical problems: The CBC test can sometimes detect medical problems before symptoms appear. For example, if a person has anaemia, they may not experience symptoms until the condition becomes severe. By detecting anaemia early through a CBC test, doctors can treat the condition before it becomes more serious.
- Routine health check: The CBC test is often included in routine health checkups as a way to evaluate a person's overall health. By regularly monitoring a person's blood cell count and other blood components, doctors can detect potential problems early and prevent more serious health issues from developing.
Overall, the CBC test is an important diagnostic tool that helps doctors evaluate a person's overall health and detect a wide range of medical conditions. If your doctor recommends a CBC test, it is important to follow their advice and have the test done as soon as possible.
How to get prepared for the CBC Test?
If you are referring to the CBC (complete blood count at home) test, there are several things you can do to prepare for it:
- Follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider: Depending on your situation, your healthcare provider may have specific instructions for you to follow before the test. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the test to help keep your veins hydrated and make it easier for the healthcare provider to draw your blood.
- Avoid certain medications: Certain medications can affect the results of the CBC test. Your healthcare provider may ask you to avoid taking certain medications before the test.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, as this is where the blood sample will be taken.
- Try to relax: If you are nervous about the test, try to relax as much as possible. Take deep breaths and distract yourself with something you enjoy, such as listening to music or reading a book.
It is important to remember that the CBC test is a routine blood test and is generally quick and painless. If you have any concerns or questions about the test, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
BOOK A CBC TEST WITH IMMUNOSCIENCES
Immunosciences Clinical Lab provides CBC (Complete Blood Count) tests. A CBC test is a common blood test that measures different components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is used to help diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including infections, anaemia, and leukaemia.
If you are interested in getting a cbc test from home, we have a free home sample collection facility available at Immunosciences Clinical Lab, you can visit our website or call us at 7678291589 to find out more information about the test, the preparation required, and the cost. They may also provide instructions on how to book an appointment for the test.
