CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test

What Is a CBC Test (Complete Blood Count)?

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) is a simple blood test that evaluates your overall health by measuring the levels and characteristics of different blood cells like red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. It also measures haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (PCV), helping your doctor understand how well oxygen is carried through your body, how your immune system is functioning, and whether your blood can clot properly.

The test requires a small blood sample taken from a vein in your arm and is performed using automated cell counters and microscopy.

What Does a CBC Test Measure?

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Measure oxygen-carrying capacity and help detect anaemia.
• Haemoglobin and Haematocrit: Show how much oxygen your blood can carry.
• White Blood Cells (WBCs): Identify infections, inflammation, or immune disorders.
• Platelets: Evaluate your blood’s ability to clot and detect bleeding tendencies.
• Cell Indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW): Help differentiate types of anaemia and nutritional deficiencies.
• Differential Counts: Provide proportions of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, aiding in detecting specific infections or allergic reactions.

CBC Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done

What Symptoms May Call for a CBC Test?

Doctors may recommend a CBC test if you have symptoms such as:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Unexplained fever or infections
• Frequent bleeding or bruising
• Shortness of breath or dizziness
• Ongoing inflammation or chronic illness
• Pale skin or yellowish tint (suggesting anaemia or jaundice)

Who Should Get a CBC Test?

• Individuals undergoing routine health check-ups
• Patients being monitored for blood disorders or infections
• People receiving treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation
• Pre-surgical evaluations to assess general health
• Those with suspected nutritional deficiencies or immune issues

Why Is a CBC Test Done?

• A CBC test gives a complete picture of your blood health, helping detect early signs of illness and guiding treatment decisions for conditions like anaemia, infections, and certain cancers.

Importance of a CBC Test

• A CBC test is one of the most commonly prescribed investigations because it provides valuable insights into your body’s internal balance.
• It helps in:
• Early detection of anaemia and infections
• Monitoring bone marrow health and recovery
• Identifying bleeding disorders or clotting issues
• Tracking treatment responses in patients with cancer or chronic diseases
• Supporting preventive health screenings

CBC Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book the CBC Test and Get Your Reports

1. Simple Online Booking
   Book your CBC test through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Choose your time slot and provide your address for home sample collection. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab for an in-person sample.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists visit your home to collect your sample while following strict safety and hygiene standards.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   You can track your sample’s progress from collection to report generation on the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your blood sample is analysed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories using advanced automated analysers and expert pathologist review.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your reports securely via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for CBC Test Available Near You?

Yes. Metropolis Healthcare offers convenient home collection for CBC testing. Our experts collect your sample safely, saving you travel time and ensuring comfort without compromising accuracy.

In How Much Time Will I Get CBC Test Report?

Reports are usually available within 4 hours once the sample reaches the laboratory.
Note: Reporting time and cost may vary by location.

Where Can I See or Get CBC Test Results?

1. You can access your CBC test reports through the Metropolis website or app using your login credentials.
2. Reports are also shared via email or WhatsApp, and printed copies can be collected from the lab if needed.

Interpreting CBC Test Results

What Your CBC Test Results May Indicate

How Should You Prepare for a CBC Test?

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Medication disclosure: Inform your doctor about any medicines or supplements you’re taking, as some may affect results.
• Normal hydration: Drink water as usual; dehydration can influence readings.
• Relax before testing: Avoid strenuous activity or stress immediately before sample collection.
• Inform if unwell: Let your doctor know if you recently had an infection or vaccination.

How Is a CBC Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)

• Preparation: A tourniquet is applied to your arm to make the vein visible.
• Cleaning: The puncture area is cleaned with an antiseptic.
• Blood Draw: A sterile needle is inserted into your vein to collect the blood.
• Sample Collection: About 2–3 ml of blood is collected into an EDTA vacutainer.
• Completion: The needle is removed, and a bandage is applied.
• Processing: Your sample is analysed using automated haematology analysers for accurate results.

Conditions That May Affect CBC Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your CBC test results:

• Dehydration or overhydration: Alters blood concentration and cell counts.
• Recent infections or inflammation: Can temporarily raise WBC counts.
• Stress or physical exertion: May affect white cell levels.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as steroids or chemotherapy, can change cell counts.
• Pregnancy: Naturally affects haemoglobin and platelet levels.
• Recent blood transfusion: Can temporarily alter your readings.

Diseases That a CBC Test Can Help Detect

• Anaemia and iron deficiency
• Bacterial or viral infections
• Leukaemia and other blood cancers
• Bone marrow disorders
• Clotting or bleeding disorders
• Allergic reactions or parasitic infections
• Autoimmune diseases
• Inflammatory conditions like arthritis or lupus

References

1. Bain B.J., Bates I., Laffan M.A. (2022). Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology (12th ed.). Elsevier. PMID: 35074208
2. Kaushansky K., et al. (2021). Williams Hematology (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. PMID: 34000635
3. Hoffman R., Benz E.J., Silberstein L.E., Heslop H.E. (2018). Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice (7th ed.). Elsevier. PMID: 29562187
4. Rodak B.F., Fritsma G.A., Doig K. (2020). Hematology: Clinical Principles and Applications (6th ed.). Elsevier. PMID: 31490328