CBC Blood Test-Complete Blood Count Test

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) is among the most common and important diagnostic tools to assess the overall health condition. This test measures the quality and quantity of blood cells and components that act as vital markers of an individual’s health condition.

 By conducting the CBC count tests, health professionals can detect health issues such as infections, inflammation, anemia, and other serious health conditions. While they are part of regular health checkups, they are also prescribed by doctors to investigate underlying health issues. Conducting a CBC blood test gives a snapshot of blood health and guides further treatments or medical attention.

 In this blog, we explain what the CBC count test is and its importance in the diagnosis of overall health issues. Its appropriate level, symptoms of abnormalities, and testing procedures, including its costs in the USA, are also explained.

What is a CBC Blood Test?

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test is a blood test that measures various blood cells and vital components. This test is done by medical professionals to investigate or detect medical conditions affecting your body.

In the Complete Blood Count test, or CBC test, the measurement of blood’s vital components, such as red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit, platelets, white blood cells (WBCs), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and Hemoglobin, is done following the CBC blood test procedure. Through accessing this test, doctors get information about your health and neutralize detected abnormalities through further testing.

While the CBC test is conducted as part of a routine checkup, in case of abnormalities, the test is done but collecting your blood sample from a vein in your arm. The collected blood samples are then counted in the lab by a professional to determine the various blood components.

Difference between CBC and other routine blood tests

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test is commonly conducted by the doctor to analyze the health condition regularly. Meanwhile, there are various other types of blood tests that are done for various purposes, such as the Blood Glucose Test, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and Lipid Panel. The key difference between CBC and other routine blood tests includes:

Why is a CBC Blood Test Important?

The CBC blood test is one of the important diagnostic processes as it gives overall information about your health condition through measuring your blood cell and component counts. Performing the CBC blood tests allows the doctors to screen various health conditions such as infection, anemia, inflammation, and other serious health issues. The importance of CBC blood tests is explained below:

Detecting Infections and Inflammation

A CBC test, or a Complete Blood Count test, helps to detect inflammation and infections through measuring WBC, or White Blood Cell counts. The WBC level in your body indicates the presence of infections, bacteria, and disorders in your body. Monitoring the WBC count or level in the blood helps to identify major health issues for early treatment.

Diagnosing Anemia and Blood Disorders

Conditions such as Anemia and blood disorders can be diagnosed by conducting a CBC blood test. When the count of RBC (Red Blood Cells), hemoglobin, or hematocrit is low, it may indicate a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, or other chronic illnesses. Through regular CBC count test, the health issues or deficiencies can be detected and appropriate treatment or adjustment can be followed for quick recovery.

Identifying Clotting Problems

Through accessing the platelet count in the blood, the complete blood count (CBC)test helps in identifying blood-clotting problems. The low platelet count increases the risk of excessive bleeding, while a high platelet count increases the risk of blood clotting. A CBC test works as an initial screening tool to indicate the platelets that might need further investigation to balance platelet levels and avoid serious health issues.

Monitoring Chronic Illnesses

Conducting a CBC blood test is one of the crucial diagnostic tests to detect chronic illnesses. It is the crucial monitoring tool to screen the medical conditions of patients with chronic illnesses like autoimmune disorders or those who are under chemotherapy. Interpreting CBC blood test results allows doctors to evaluate the needed treatment procedures and medications to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.

Tracking Overall Health & Preventive Care

CBC tests are not only performed to diagnose your existing health condition, but are also done to track symptoms of upcoming health issues. Regular CBC blood tests ensure you are healthy by detecting hidden medical conditions in the early stages. Routine blood tests, like the CBC test, help to confirm that your blood health is within normal CBC levels. It assures you and your health care provider and assurance about your overall well-being.

When To Test CBC Count?

Regular CBC blood tests are important to track your CBC count and ensure your well-being. CBC tests are conducted during routine checkups. They are also recommended by the doctor during diagnosing, monitoring, and preventing health conditions. Performing the CBC test at a crucial moment can help in screening the potential health issues and process timely treatment. The following are the situations when you may require to CBC blood test:

• During regular checkups: CBC blood tests are part of regular health tests and examinations to ensure you are in healthy conditions. It tracks your health condition by ensuring your normal CBC levels in your blood. Checking the CBC count during a regular checkup helps to identify potential health issues by detecting symptoms of developing health conditions.
• Unexplained symptoms: Checking the CBC count is important during situations when you experience persistent fatigue, fever, sudden change in body weight, and other complications. CBC count tests in this situation help to reveal and screen the abnormalities. It helps doctors to process further examinations and treatments.
• Detecting infections: Doctors often recommend performing a CBC test to detect viral or bacterial infections. The examination of White Blood Cell (WBC) level may indicate the presence and severity of the infection. It helps doctors to take appropriate steps and provide further treatments.
• Chronic illness: People with chronic illnesses like autoimmune disorders, kidney disease, or cancer may require regular CBC tests. This test helps in determining the improvements and progression of the disease. By analyzing the results, doctors can plan further treatment or alter medication.
• Before surgery and treatments: Assessing the CBC level is important before performing major surgery or medical treatments. Doctors suggest CBC tests to make sure that your blood levels are stable to perform safe surgery and treatments.

Normal CBC Levels

CBC tests are done to evaluate the number and quality of your blood cells. The results of the CBC tests are compared with normal CBC levels to determine your health status. However, the normal CBC level varies according to gender, age, and overall health condition. Comparing the CBC count with the normal level helps to identify whether your results are within normal range, high range, or low range.  

Normal Ranges by Age and Gender (RBC, WBC, Platelets, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit)

The average value of the CBC test varies according to your gender, age, and health conditions. Below are the commonly accepted values to evaluate your results:

Note: The accurate value of the CBC level may vary due to the CBC test results are always required to be interpreted by a health professional or a health care provider.

Low CBC Values – Causes and Symptoms

The low CBC count in your blood tests may indicate the presence of health issues and conditions. The cause of low CBC count, including its key symptoms, is:

• Low RBC / Hemoglobin / Hematocrit: The low RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit count can be caused by to presence of health issues such as anemia, blood loss, and nutritional deficiencies. They can also occur due to the presence of a chronic illness and other health issues.

Symptoms: Experience weakness, fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

• Low WBC (Leukopenia): WBC level below the normal level may be due to issues such as viral infections, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow issues, and other health conditions.

Symptoms: Fever, weakness, inflammation, and frequent infections.

• Low Platelets (Thrombocytopenia): The low platelet level may indicate diseases and conditions such as bone marrow disorders, liver disease, and autoimmune disease.

Symptoms: Some of the key symptoms include prolonged bleeding, red spots on the skin, easy bruising, and frequent nose bleeds.

High CBC Values – Causes and Symptoms

Like a low CBC value, a high CBC count in your blood can also indicate health issues and conditions such as infection, inflammation, and other diseases. The cause of high CBC count, including its key symptoms, is described below:

• High RBC / Hemoglobin / Hematocrit: If your blood tests show high RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit count, then you may be having a health issue, such as dehydration and the effects of smoking. It can also be caused due to living at high altitudes and health conditions like polycythemia vera.

Symptoms: Headaches, blurred vision, hypertension, blood clot risk, and dizziness.

• High WBC (Leukocytosis): A high WBC count in your blood indicates issues such as infection, inflammation, stress, and immune system disorders.

Symptoms: Night sweats, weight loss, frequent infections, and fever.

• High Platelets (Thrombocytosis): Occurs due to infections, inflammation, and bone marrow conditions. High platelet count may also occur following surgery and treatments.

Symptoms: Chest pain, numbness of limbs, issues such as blood clotting, dizziness, and headache.

CBC Blood Test Procedure

While the CBC blood test is among the common medical tests, it is performed following the appropriate CBC blood test procedure. While the tests require a small blood sample, they offer detailed information about your health conditions.

How is the Test Done?

Medical professionals in clinics, hospitals, or medical labs conduct the CBC blood tests. The test is done by following the CBC blood test procedure, which involves:

• Cleaning the skin area where the sample of your blood is drawn. Blood samples are commonly drawn from a vein in the arm, inside of the elbow, or the back of your hand.
• After cleaning, the sterile needle is inserted into the vein to collect a blood sample. The collected samples are then stored in a test tube.
• The bandage is applied to the puncture site.
• Following the procedure, the blood sample is then sent to the clinical lab for counting and analysis.

Do You Need to Fast for a CBC Test?

Fasting is not required to perform a CBC blood test. This means you can eat and drink as usual before conducting the CBC test. However, if your doctor recommends other blood tests, such as a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) or blood sugar test, along with a CBC test, then you may be required to fast for 8-12 hours. For accuracy in results, it is advised to consult with your doctor or health care providers.

Risks and Safety

The CBC blood test is a safe procedure that possesses minimal risks when an appropriate CBC procedure is followed. However, in some cases, minor pain and side effects can be observed during the procedure. These include:

• Slight pain and discomfort when the needle is inserted or removed from the vein
• Soreness or swelling of the puncture site
• Excessive bleeding in the punctured area
• During and after a blood draw, some individuals may experience fainting and lightheadedness.

For ensuring safety, following the appropriate CBC procedure is crucial to ensure comfort and reduce the chance of infection. After drawing the blood, one can firmly press on the puncture site to prevent excessive bleeding and bruising. In case of feeling lightheadedness, you must sit or lie until you feel comfortable.

CBC Blood Test Cost in the USA

If you are planning to take the CBC blood test in the USA, then its costs may vary depending on location, lab, and insurance. While they are expensive in hospitals or large clinics, service providers like Uber Tests offer a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test at the best price, as low as $4.99, with a membership discount.

At Uber Tests, you can select specific CBC tests or panel tests without requiring insurance. Also, you are not required to make an appointment in most locations, and you get secure results online within 1-4 business days. In addition, Uber Tests also provides a clinician's appointment service to review your test results.

Conclusion

For a healthy lifestyle and well-being, regular checkups and tests, including a Complete Blood Count (CBC), are essential. Tests such as CBC measure the level and quality of blood cells and components. It hints at your overall health conditions and helps in early detection and cure of health issues.

By evaluating the CBC count level in your blood, health issues like anemia, clotting disorders, chronic illness, and infections can be detected. Incorporating CBC tests in regular health checkups allows early detection of abnormalities in your body and recommends timely intervention of the issue before facing serious complications.

This blog explains what the CBC count test is and its importance in early detection and cure of overall health issues. The normal CBC level, causes and symptoms of High and Low CBC levels, CBC test procedure, and its cost in the USA are also explained. For an efficient and reliable CBC test in the USA, visit a health service provider like Uber Test, as they offer various blood test services at an affordable price without requiring appointments.

Summary

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test is a blood test that measures various blood cells and vital components. In the Complete Blood Count test, or CBC test, the measurement of blood’s vital components, such as red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit, platelets, white blood cells (WBCs), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and Hemoglobin, is done following the CBC blood test procedure. The CBC blood test is one of the important diagnostic processes as it gives overall information about your health condition through measuring your blood cell and component counts. If you are planning to take the CBC blood test in the USA, then its costs may vary depending on location, lab, and insurance. Service providers like Uber Tests offer a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test at the best price, as low as $4.99.

FAQ

1. What does a CBC blood test show?

The CBC test shows the measurement of blood’s vital components, such as red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit, platelets, white blood cells (WBCs), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and Hemoglobin. Those results are compared with normal CBC levels to determine your health status.

2. Do you need to fast for a CBC test?

Fasting is not required to perform a CBC blood test. However, if your doctor recommends other blood tests, such as a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) or blood sugar test, along with a CBC test, then you may be required to fast for 8-12 hours.

3. How long does it take to get CBC results?

The CBC results take from 1-4 business days, depending on the lab, type of medical service provider, and urgency of the tests. Health service providers such as Uber Test offer secure CBC test results online within 1-4 business days.

4. What is the normal range for CBC?

Below are the normal ranges for CBC in adult men and female patients:

• Red Blood Cells (RBC): 4.5 to 6.1 million cells per µL in adult men, 4.0 to 5.4 million cells per µL in adult women
• White Blood Cells (WBC): 4,500 to 11,000 cells per µL for both men and women
• Platelets: 150,000 to 450,000 cells per mcL for both men and women
• Hemoglobin: 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL in adult men, 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL in adult women
• Hematocrit: 41–50% in adult men, 36–44% in adult women

5. Can CBC detect cancer?

The CBC test can detect certain blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. However, to detect solid tumors and other cancers, further testing and screening are required.

6. How much does a CBC test cost in the USA?

CBC blood test costs in the USA may vary depending on location, lab, and insurance. While they are expensive in hospitals or large clinics, service providers like Uber Tests offer a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test at the best price, as low as $4.99, with a membership discount.