A full body check-up is recommended for individuals of all ages at least once a year. It gives a clear analysis of several bodily functions and assists the doctor in detecting early signs of varying diseases. Regular health check-ups lower the risk of undetected illness, which impacts an individual’s health. A complete blood count (CBC) test is a part of health packages offered by renowned diagnostic centres.
What is a CBC Test?
A CBC test is conducted to know about the overall health of an individual. This blood test measures red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, haemoglobin, and haematocrit. A medical practitioner suggests this test to look for certain health conditions such as leukaemia, anaemia, and other infections. In case any kind of infection exists in the body, a CBC test is useful to detect its severity.
The different parameters of a CBC test are:
- Red blood cells: Responsible for carrying oxygen to different parts of the body.
- White blood cells: Responsible for fighting bacterial and viral infections in the body.
- Haemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
- Haematocrit: The ratio of total red blood cell count to the total blood volume.
- Platelets: Also, known as thrombocytes, they are responsible for blood clot formation.
When is a CBC Test Prescribed?
If a person has visible symptoms that indicate an infection, then the medical practitioner recommends a complete blood count test. Besides this, the doctor prescribes it as a part of an overall health check-up.
Common symptoms of infection in the body include:
- Fatigue
- Inflammation
- Fever, fatigue, and vomiting
- Bleeding
- Joint pain
- Blood pressure
Why Does a Doctor Prescribe a CBC Test?
There are many reasons why a healthcare provider may suggest a CBC test. Some of the reasons are:
- To monitor a pre-existing health condition: Many illnesses affect the blood cell count in the body. Getting a CBC test can help in measuring the progress of an ongoing treatment.
- To evaluate the overall health of a person: A CBC test is ordered as a regular health check-up for early detection of any medical condition. It gives a baseline view to the doctor.
- To diagnose a health condition: If a person has visible symptoms of a certain health condition, this test is prescribed to confirm or rule out a specific disease.
Diseases affecting red blood cells:
- Iron-deficiency anaemia
- Vitamin deficiency anaemia
- Pregnancy anaemia
- Non-inherited haemolytic anaemia
- Inherited haemolytic anaemia
- Aplastic anaemia
Diseases affecting white blood cells:
- Lymphoma
- Leukaemia
- Myeloma
Diseases affecting blood platelets:
- Haemophilia
- Von Willebrand disease
What is the Procedure for a CBC Test?
There is no special preparation required for a CBC blood test. The phlebotomist draws blood from the upper arm of an individual, which does not take more than 5 to 7 minutes. The upper arm portion is disinfected before the procedure. A small bandage is placed after the blood is drawn. The blood sample is taken to the pathology lab where all components are tested. If a person needs to undergo a CBC test while fasting, the medical practitioner directs them to do so.
Choosing an accredited medical laboratory for a full body check-up ensures accuracy in the test results. Top laboratories offer an at-home sample collection facility, which is convenient for individuals under treatment for serious infections or blood-related disorders. Once the person gets a digital or physical test report, they must consult an experienced health professional for proper treatment.
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