5 Common Misconceptions About CBC Tests Debunked 

Introduction to CBC Tests 

Complete Blood Count Tests or CBC Tests are simple blood tests that provide helpful insights into your overall health. The tests check the components of your blood to give your doctor a complete picture of your body's condition. These tests can also tell your doctor how medications or medical issues such as infections or anaemia are impacting your body and how well your immune system is working. Despite their importance, CBC tests are sometimes surrounded by misconceptions that need debunking. Let us look at a few in this article. 

Misconception #1: CBC Tests Only Measure Red Blood Cells 

One common misconception is that CBC test only evaluate your red blood cells. However, this is far from the truth. CBC tests measure several components of your blood, including:

• Red blood cells: This test measures how many red blood cells you have in a small amount of blood, usually in a microliter (mcL). 
• White blood cells: Your white blood cell count tells you how many white blood cells (your body's infection fighters) you have. There are different types of white blood cells: 
  - Monocytes: These cells clean up debris during infections and alert other white blood cells. 
  - Basophils: They release substances during allergic reactions and prevent blood from clotting. 
  - Neutrophils: They are the first responders, fighting bacterial and fungal infections. 
  - Eosinophils: They fight parasites and can cause allergic reactions. 
  - Lymphocytes: They fight viruses and help your body remember past infections. 
  - Immature granulocytes: These are young white blood cells. 
  - Nucleated red blood cells (nRBC): These are immature red blood cells, indicating potential health issues. 
• Platelets: Your platelet count results from a CBC include: 
  -Mean platelet volume (MPV): This measures the average size of your platelet 
  -Platelet count: The total number of platelets in your blood. 
• Haemoglobin (Hb) measures the haemoglobin amount in your blood, while haematocrit (Hct) indicates the percentage of your blood composed of red blood cells. 

Thus, these tests give a lot of information about your overall health and not just the number of RBCs present. 

Misconception #2: CBC Tests are Only Necessary When You're Sick 

Many people believe that complete blood count test is only required when you're feeling unwell or displaying symptoms of illness. However, this is not the case. These tests are often part of routine health check-ups and screenings, even when you feel perfectly fine. They can also help in finding health problems before you feel sick, so doctors can help you early and manage your health well. 

Misconception #3: CBC Tests Always Indicate Serious Health Problems 

While abnormal CBC results can sometimes indicate a serious health condition, it's important to understand that various factors can influence your test results. Temporary factors like dehydration, a recent illness, tiredness, weight loss, fever, weakness or certain medications can cause temporary fluctuations in your blood component levels. Your doctor will carefully interpret your CBC results in the context of your overall health history and conduct further tests if necessary. 

Misconception #4: CBC Tests Are Painful or Invasive 

Many people mistakenly believe that CBC tests are painful or invasive procedures. In reality, Complete blood count test typically involve the following: 

• Your arm will be cleaned and a needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm to collect your blood sample. In infants, the needle is typically inserted into the baby’s heel. 
• The blood sample is then collected into a tube. Sometimes, multiple tubes of blood may be taken. 
• The needle is then removed and a bandage is applied to your arm. 
• The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing. 

While some people may experience minor discomfort from the needle prick, the process is generally quick and minimally invasive. 

Misconception #5: CBC Tests are Expensive and Unnecessary 

Another common misconception is that CBC tests are costly and unnecessary. However, CBC test at home are relatively affordable, especially compared to the potential costs of undiagnosed or untreated health issues. Plus, doctors think these tests are really important because they give useful information that helps them decide how to treat you and stop bigger health issues from happening such as blood cancers, anaemia, infections, and more, making them an essential tool in today's healthcare. 

Conclusion 

Understanding the truth behind these common misconceptions is crucial for making informed decisions about your healthcare. CBC tests are simple, affordable, and invaluable tools that provide a comprehensive overview of your body's condition. By recognising the importance of these tests and dismissing misconceptions, you can take an active role in maintaining your overall health. 

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