Complete Blood Count (CBC)-MedCab Lab Tests

A complete blood count (CBC) is an important blood test that measures the various components of one’s blood and provides an indication of the overall health of the individual. Medical conditions, such as anaemia and infections, can be detected through a CBC.

Abnormal CBC levels are often the first signs of an infection. This is why regularly getting a CBC sample collected and tested is important. Use MedCab’s pathology services to book a blood test from the comfort of your home. MedCab offers convenient testing at any time and location of your choosing.

Why Should I Get a Complete Blood Count Test?

A CBC test is an important and common blood test. It is often used to assess the overall physical health.

If you have conditions, such as fatigue or unexplained bruising, a CBC can help diagnose the root cause. Furthermore, CBC can also help in the diagnosis of common blood conditions, such as anaemia, blood disorders and infections. A CBC is also used in conjunction with other blood tests for the diagnosis of several other health disorders.

A CBC is also used to monitor if the body is responding appropriately to treatments. With the effectiveness of treatments, the various parameters of the CBC will begin to fall in the normal range. Thus, the CBC test is a common blood test undertaken to measure various health parameters.

What is Covered in a CBC? 

Overall, the CBC test measures the size and quantity of one’s red blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets and white blood cells. These common parameters are explained below –

• Red Blood Count – This includes measuring the amount of red blood cells, haemoglobin and Hematocrit (Hct). To assess the weight and size of the RBCs, the Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and red cell distribution width are also measured.
• Platelet Count – The platelet count measures the number of platelets, while the Mean platelet volume (MPV) measures the platelet size.
• White Blood Cells and Differentials – This includes the % of white blood cells (WBC) in the body as well as the different types of WBC in the body. The differentials can include Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Basophils, Eosinophils, Immature granulocytes, and Nucleated red blood cells. The categories of WBCs are responsible for fighting bacterial and viral infections, parasitic infections, preventing the blood from clotting, etc. [1]. Abnormal ranges can indicate signs of infection.

How Should I Prepare for the CBC Test?

There are no specific precautions to be taken before a CBC test. You can eat, drink, and engage in normal activities prior to the blood test. However, in case you are getting other blood tests along with the CBC, such as a fasting blood glucose test or lipid profile test, fasting for several hours prior to the tests may be necessary. Contact us to understand if fasting is needed or not, in case you are getting a number of blood tests done together.

What do my Results Mean? 

Post an analysis of your various blood parameters, and abnormal values in the results can be indicative of several health issues. Some of these are listed below –

•  RBC Count – A low RBC count can be indicative of anaemia. In contrast, high RBCs can indicate dehydration as well as issues with heart health.
• Haemoglobin - Low haemoglobin can indicate anaemia,  implying that the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
• Hematocrit – This measures the quantity of RBCs in the overall blood. A high count of this component indicates dehydration, while a low count indicates anaemia.
• WBC Count – A low count can indicate autoimmune conditions and can also be caused by certain medications. However, a high count indicates stress of infection.
• Platelets - High or low platelet counts can signal clotting disorders or bleeding issues.

Why Choose MedCab for a CBC Test?

MedCab provides excellent rapid sample collection services. For a smooth and hassle-free experience, choose MedCab. Our sample collection professional will reach the location of your choosing, be it home or office. Avoid crowded areas and the risk of infections in pathology labs by choosing MedCab’s blood sample collection services from the convenience of your home. Besides this, MedCab also offers package deals including CBC, such as –

• MedCab Cut Health Package – includes  complete blood count (CBC), lipase, liver function (LFT), and GGTP tests, and 35 overall parameters.
• MedCab Healthy Heart Basic -  includes Glucose Fasting (BSF), CBC Profile, ESR, HbA1C (Glycosylated Haemoglobin), High Sensitivity CRP, KFT (Max), Lipid Profile, LFT (Max), Urine Profile test and 75 overall parameters.
• MedCab Full Body Check Up Comprehensive – includes CBC Profile, Urine Profile, Lipid, KFT, LFT, Glucose Fasting, ESR, IgE Total antibody, Iron Studies, RF, Thyroid Profile Total, Vitamin, and 85 overall tests.
• MedCab Advance Fever Care – includes  CBC Profile, Widal, Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, LFT (Mini), Urine Profile test and 57 overall parameters. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a complete blood count test can be indicative of overall physical health. It is one of the most basic and routine health check-ups. Regular CBC tests can help you stay ahead of any health conditions and take preventive measures at the early stages of any disease. Book a CBC test with MedCab at budget rates, and get a fast digital report today.

References

[1] Cleveland Clinic, 2024 ‘Complete Blood Count (CBC)’, My.clevelandclinic, accessed from < https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4053-complete-blood-count>