CBC Test: Meaning, Procedure, Normal Ranges, Uses & FAQs
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is one of the most important diagnostic blood tests that doctors prescribe for routine health check-ups and disease detection. It provides detailed information about your blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. A CBC test is simple, quick, and highly informative, helping doctors identify infections, anemia, clotting problems, and other health issues early.
At Sanovra Lab, we provide accurate, reliable, and affordable CBC tests with home sample collection and same-day reports.
What is CBC Test?
A CBC test evaluates the three major types of blood cells:
- 🧪 White Blood Cells (WBCs): Protect the body against infections.
- ❤️ Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Carry oxygen from lungs to tissues.
- 🧬 Platelets: Help in clotting and prevent excessive bleeding.
Additionally, it also measures hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein in RBCs) and hematocrit (percentage of RBCs in blood).
Why is CBC Test Important?
Doctors recommend a CBC test in the following situations:
- Routine health check-ups: To assess general health.
- Detecting infections: WBC count increases in bacterial infections and decreases in viral infections.
- Diagnosing anemia: Low hemoglobin and hematocrit indicate anemia.
- Monitoring chronic diseases: Helps track conditions like kidney or heart disease.
- Post-treatment monitoring: Evaluates effectiveness of chemotherapy, antibiotics, or other medications.
- Detecting clotting problems: Abnormal platelet counts may cause bleeding or clotting disorders.
Procedure for CBC Test
- Sample Collection: A small blood sample is collected from a vein in the arm using a sterile needle.
- Laboratory Analysis: Automated machines count and analyze RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
- Report Generation: Detailed results are generated, usually within a few hours.
The CBC test does not require fasting unless it is combined with other tests like fasting blood sugar or lipid profile.
Normal Ranges of CBC Test
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| WBC Count | 4,000 – 11,000 /µL |
| RBC Count | Male: 4.7 – 6.1 million/µL Female: 4.2 – 5.4 million/µL |
| Hemoglobin | Male: 13.8 – 17.2 g/dL Female: 12.1 – 15.1 g/dL |
| Hematocrit | Male: 40 – 54% Female: 36 – 48% |
| Platelet Count | 150,000 – 450,000 /µL |
Factors That Affect CBC Test Results
- Infections: Increase or decrease WBC count.
- Medications: Steroids, chemotherapy drugs, and antibiotics can alter results.
- Dehydration: May affect hematocrit and RBC counts.
- Chronic illnesses: Kidney or bone marrow disorders influence blood cell counts.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of iron, B12, or folic acid causes anemia.
Interpretation of Abnormal CBC Results
- High WBC Count: Suggests bacterial infection, inflammation, or leukemia.
- Low WBC Count: May occur in viral infections or bone marrow problems.
- Low Hemoglobin: Indicates anemia due to iron deficiency, blood loss, or chronic disease.
- Low Platelets: Can cause bleeding disorders, common in dengue fever.
- High Platelets: May suggest clotting disorders or bone marrow issues.
Why Choose Sanovra Lab for CBC Test?
- ✔️ Accurate Results: NABL-accredited partner labs with modern equipment.
- ⚡ Fast Reporting: Same-day or next-day reports.
- 💰 Affordable Pricing: No hidden charges.
- 🏠 Home Sample Collection: Get tested from the comfort of your home.
- 🌐 Online Access: Reports available digitally.
You can book your CBC test online at Sanovra Lab’s official website.
📌 FAQs About CBC Test
Q1. Is fasting required before CBC test?
No, fasting is not required unless advised with other tests.
Q2. How long does CBC report take?
Usually within 6–24 hours depending on lab workload.
Q3. Can CBC detect cancer?
It cannot directly confirm cancer, but abnormal counts may lead to further tests.
Q4. Is CBC safe for children?
Yes, it is completely safe and often recommended for kids with infections or fever.
Q5. What is the cost of CBC test?
At Sanovra Lab, CBC tests are affordable with transparent pricing.
Conclusion
The CBC test is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps detect infections, anemia, and blood-related disorders early. At Sanovra Lab, you can get accurate results, quick reports, and hassle-free home collection services. Regular health check-ups with CBC can protect you from hidden health problems.
Book your CBC Test today online at Sanovra Lab.