What is a CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test?

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What is a CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test?

Cells are the fundamental components of life. They are the smallest structure that makes up all living organisms and provide proper form to the body. They are in charge of everything that happens inside our bodies, from absorbing nutrients, in the food we eat to converting them into energy. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a common blood test that can provide information about a person's cell count. The following slides discuss the CBC blood test in brief, including how the test is performed and how to interpret the results.

CBC Test

Though a CBC test is part of a routine health check, a doctor may order it to detect any underlying health issues in the body. The test identifies the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the body. It helps in detecting a variety of conditions like anaemia, infection, blood cancer, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and other immune system-related diseases.

Test Preparation

Though no special preparation is required for the test, usually 10-12 hours of fasting is a prerequisite. It is always a good idea to follow the instructions given by your doctor before giving the blood sample. A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm and involves no risks.

Test Results

Test results are typically ready within a few hours. Certain parameters, such as age, gender, stress levels, lab equipment, medication, and so on, may affect the levels. In case your levels are abnormal, it doesn’t always imply that you have a medical condition. A doctor should be consulted for an accurate prognosis.

CBC blood test is an important medical tool because it analyses the entire spectrum of cells found in the body using a single blood sample.

Though the price of the CBC test may differ by city, several healthcare providers offer the test at a reasonable cost along with at-home test sample collection for their patients' convenience.