1. What is a Complete Blood Count test?
Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a blood test that is used to examine the overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anaemia, infection, and leukaemia. A Complete Blood Count test measures several components of your blood including: Red blood cells, which help carry oxygenWhite blood cells help fight infectionHaemoglobin which carries oxygen in the red blood cellsHematocrit (PCV) measures the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your bloodPlatelets, which help with blood clottingIf your result shows an abnormal cell count, it may indicate that you have a medical condition that calls for further evaluation.
2. When is a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test recommended?
It is recommended in the following cases:You may be advised to undergo the test, if you are pregnant, have a family history of anaemia, are suffering from an infection, or have blood loss after surgery. Or if you suffer from heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, etc. This test is also performed to monitor the treatment responses in individuals receiving treatment for diseases or conditions that affect red blood cells.
3. What does it measure?
It is used to measure: RBCs contain haemoglobin which helps in the transportation of oxygen to the tissues. RBC count is the number of RBCs in a given volume of blood. Hematocrit (Hct) is also called packed cell volume (PCV). It determines the volume of blood occupied by RBCs and is expressed in percentages. WBCs are key components of the immune system of the body and thus protect the body from various infections and cancers. TLC is the total number of leukocytes (WBCs) in a given blood volume. There are five types of WBCs: Neutrophils, Basophils, Eosinophils, Lymphocytes, and Monocytes.
