Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test: Results, Parameters, Range

What Is a CBC Test?

The CBC Test means Complete Blood Count test. This commonly used diagnostic test assesses various blood components, such as red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, each playing a vital role in your body’s health.

The CBC test determines the counts of these cells and their indices, helping to diagnose related conditions. For example, a low WBC count may indicate infection, inflammation, or immune disorders, while low RBC levels suggest anaemia. The test also measures haemoglobin (the protein in RBCs that carries oxygen) and haematocrit (the proportion of RBCs in the blood).

Also known as the Full Blood test, the CBC assesses your overall health and detects various conditions, including infections and blood disorders. It is often used to monitor responses to treatments for conditions like anaemia and infection, chemotherapy or medications affecting blood cell production. Additionally, as part of routine health checkups, a CBC can uncover underlying health issues that may not yet show symptoms, enabling early diagnosis and better management of potential conditions.

CBC Test Price

The cost of the CBC test is ₹ 380 in Bangalore. This price includes rapid home sample collection within 60 of booking, and the test reports will be available within 6 hours. CBC test is offered at competitive pricing, ensuring accessible testing for all. Our pricing is inclusive of convenient home sample collection, making it easier for you to get tested. Please note that prices may vary depending on your city and the specific laboratory used. The CBC test cost at various locations has been listed below:

S.No	Test In City	Price
1	Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in Bangalore	₹ 380
2	Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in Gurgaon	₹ 350
3	Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in Delhi	₹ 350
4	Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in Hyderabad	₹ 310
5	Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in Mumbai	₹ 330
6	Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in Noida	₹ 350

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test Preparation

To ensure accuracy of the CBC test results, you should follow these precautions before the test:

Pre-requisites: Fasting is not required for a CBC test, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment. However, you must inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect the test results.

Precautions Before the Test: Staying well-hydrated is crucial before the test. Drink plenty of water to ensure that your veins are easier to access during blood collection. It’s advisable to avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous physical activities or heavy exercise before the test.

CBC Test Procedure

The CBC test involves the collection of a blood sample. Once you book the test with Orange Health Labs, a skilled and experienced eMedic will arrive at your desired location for sample collection. The testing procedure steps are as follows:

Preparation: The eMedic will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to sit comfortably in a chair.
Site Selection: A suitable vein, usually in the inner elbow area, will be selected and the skin in this area will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
Needle Insertion: A needle will be inserted in the vein and blood will be drawn. You might feel a mild pinch or sting during this step.
Blood Collection: The required amount of blood will be collected in a vial.
Needle Removal: The eMedic will remove the needle and apply pressure on the needle insertion site with a gauze pad to stop any bleeding.
Bandaging: Lastly, a small bandage will be placed over the puncture site to protect it.

Why Take a Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test?

All the different components of blood perform essential functions that keep your body working smoothly – RBCs transport oxygen, WBCs defend against infections, and platelets control bleeding. Monitoring these cells through a Blood Count test helps assess your overall health and detect a range of conditions.

A CBC test is commonly ordered for several reasons, such as:

Routine Health Checkup: A CBC test is often part of a regular health exam to monitor your overall health and detect any underlying conditions.
Investigating Unexplained Symptoms: If you experience symptoms like fatigue, fever, unintended weight loss, bruising, or night sweats, your treating doctor may use a CBC test report to help find the cause.
Monitoring Health Conditions: A CBC test is crucial for tracking chronic conditions like cancer, kidney disease, or immune disorders as it provides valuable information about your body’s response to these conditions.
Evaluating Treatment Effects: Certain treatments or medications can impact blood cell counts, and a CBC helps determine how well treatments are working or if treatment adjustments are needed.
Pregnancy Monitoring: During pregnancy, a CBC can help monitor your health and ensure that any changes in the blood composition are detected early.

By evaluating RBCs, WBCs, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets, a CBC can help diagnose conditions like anaemia, infections, immune disorders, and even blood cancers.

Who Should Take the CBC Test?

A CBC test is recommended for a wide range of health conditions. Individuals who may benefit from regular CBC testing include:

People with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders should regularly get a CBC done as these conditions can affect blood cell counts and overall function.
Individuals with concerning symptoms, like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, unusual bruising, frequent infections, or prolonged fever can undergo a CBC test to identify underlying causes such as infections or anaemia.
Some medications, such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs, can impact blood cell production. A CBC helps track the effects of these medicines and ensures treatment is safely managed.
During pregnancy, monitoring blood cell levels is crucial to ensure both maternal and foetal health.
People with a family history of blood disorders or blood cancers should get the CBC test done regularly to facilitate early diagnosis of the conditions.

What Does the CBC Test Measure?

Each parameter in a CBC test contributes to a comprehensive understanding of blood health. Here’s an overview of the key parameters included in a CBC test:

RBC Count: This measures the number of RBCs in a given volume of blood. RBCs are crucial for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.
Haemoglobin (Hb): Haemoglobin is the protein in RBCs responsible for oxygen transport. This parameter indicates the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
Haematocrit (HCT) / Packed Cell Volume (PCV): This parameter measures the proportion of blood volume made up of RBCs.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): MCV depicts the average size of RBCs. This value helps classify different types of anaemia based on cell size.
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH): This parameter indicates the average amount of haemoglobin in each RBC. It also indicates the haemoglobin content and overall quality of RBCs.
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): MCHC measures the concentration of haemoglobin in a given volume of RBCs.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) CV: This parameter assesses the variability in the size of RBCs.
Total WBC Count (TC): This measures the total number of WBCs in the blood, which play a crucial role in the immune response of the body.
Differential and Absolute Counts: This includes the proportions and exact counts of the five main types of WBCs: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils. Each type has distinct functions in the immune system, and their levels are often associated with various diseases.
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR): This ratio compares the number of neutrophils to lymphocytes. An abnormal NLR can indicate underlying inflammation or stress response in the body.
Platelet Count: This parameter evaluates the number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for blood clotting. Abnormal platelet counts can indicate bleeding disorders or thrombotic conditions (blockage in blood vessels due to blood clots).
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): MPV measures the average size of platelets in the blood. Larger platelets may indicate increased platelet production in response to bleeding or inflammation.

Signs That You May Need a CBC Test

Signs that indicate you may need a CBC test include:

Unexplained fatigue
Frequent infections
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Unintended weight loss or gain
Fever or chills
Swelling/ Inflammation
Pale skin or jaundice

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test Results & Interpretation

The table below outlines the CBC normal values for each parameter, along with their interpretations and possible abnormal results.

Parameter	Biological Reference	Interpretation
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count	4.5-5.5 mill/mm³	Low RBC count may suggest anemia, iron or protein deficiency, or bone marrow issues. High RBC count may indicate polycythemia or dehydration.
Haemoglobin (Hb)	13.0-17.0 g/dL	Increased Hb may suggest polycythemia vera, high altitude, smoking, dehydration, congenital heart disease, low oxygen levels, or respiratory disorders (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea). Decreased Hb may indicate anemia due to iron or vitamin deficiencies, bleeding, or chronic disease.
Haematocrit (HCT)/ Packed Cell Volume (PCV)	40-50%	High HCT may indicate dehydration, lung or heart disease.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)	83-101 fL	High blood indices may result from vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, liver disease, or anemia with normal values, such as in cases of sudden blood loss, kidney failure, or aplastic anemia. High MCHC may indicate autoimmune hemolytic anemia or sickle cell disease. Low values may suggest iron-deficiency anemia, bone marrow suppression, or thalassemia.
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH)	27-32 pg
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)	31.5-34.5 g/dL
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) CV	11.6-14.0%	High RDW may indicate a nutrient deficiency, anaemia, or other underlying conditions. Low RDW is not usually concerning. RDW results should be correlated with other indices in CBC.
Mentzer Index	Beta Thalassemia trait: < 14 Iron-deficiency anaemia: ≥ 14	A high index indicates iron deficiency. A low index indicates thalassemia.
Sehgal Index	Beta Thalassemia trait: < 972 Iron-deficiency anaemia: ≥ 972
Total White Blood Cell Count (TC)	4000-10000 cells/mm³	Low levels may indicate an autoimmune disorder, viral infection, reduced immunity, immune-suppressing medications (e.g., chemotherapy), bone marrow suppression, or cancer. High levels may occur in infections, inflammation, allergies, bone marrow dysfunction, or medication reactions.
Differential Count
Neutrophils	40-80%	Neutrophils: Low values may suggest infections, vitamin B12/folate deficiency, autoimmune diseases, leukemia, or chemotherapy. High values may indicate bacterial infections, inflammation, injury, or leukemia. Lymphocytes: Low values may signal autoimmune disorders, infections (e.g., HIV, tuberculosis), or treatments. High values may indicate infections, mononucleosis, or cancers. Monocytes: Low values may indicate aplastic anemia, infections, burns, or chemotherapy. High values may suggest chronic infections, inflammatory disorders, or blood diseases. Eosinophils: Low values may suggest sepsis or Cushing’s syndrome. High values may indicate parasitic infections, allergies, or cancer. Basophils: Low values may indicate infection, allergies, or hyperthyroidism. High values may signal allergies, autoimmune diseases, anemia, infections, or blood disorders.
Lymphocytes	20-40%
Monocytes	2-10%
Eosinophils	1-6%
Basophils	0-2%
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)	2000-7000/mm³
Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC)	10000-3000/mm³
Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC)	200-1000/mm³
Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC)	20-500/mm³
Absolute Basophil Count (ABC)	0-100/mm³
Platelet Count	150-450 (10^3/μL)	High platelets may indicate inflammation, infections, anemia, a weakened immune system, genetic issues, or oral contraceptive use. Low platelets may occur due to infections, medications, radiation, enlarged spleen, bone marrow damage, cancers (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia), alcoholism, bleeding, or conditions like TTP, ITP, or HUS.
Platelet Hematocrit	0.20-0.50%
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)	7-13 dL
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR)	1.0-3.0	High NLR indicates severe stress, inflammation, trauma, cancer, major surgery, or poor cancer prognosis. It predicts mortality in patients undergoing angiography or cardiac revascularization.

FAQs on Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test

No, fasting is not typically required for a CBC test. You can eat and drink normally before the test unless your doctor has asked for other tests that may require fasting.

Symptoms of blood-related diseases may include fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, dizziness, pale skin, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms may signal issues with RBCs, WBCs or platelets.

The CBC test is usually done as part of routine check-ups. If you have a medical condition, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing to monitor your blood health.

A CBC test is generally safe with minimal risks. You may experience a slight discomfort or bruising at the puncture site that will soon subside.

Abnormal CBC levels may be associated with anaemia, infections, immune system disorders, bone marrow issues, or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron or vitamin B12 deficiency). Chronic conditions, such as cancer or autoimmune diseases, may also affect blood cell counts.

Improving your CBC test results often involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in iron, folate, and B vitamins, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

Yes, the CBC test is commonly incorporated into the prenatal checkup during pregnancy to ensure that both mother and baby are healthy. It helps detect conditions like anaemia, clotting disorders, or infections, which may affect the mother or the developing baby.

CBC results are usually available within a few hours depending on the laboratory. Orange Health Labs ensures quick turnaround time and provides timely delivery of the reports for the CBC test. The test reports will be delivered within 6 hours of collection.

Abnormal CBC results can indicate a variety of conditions, such as anaemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorder, or bone marrow disorders. Depending on which component is abnormal (RBC, WBC, or platelets), your doctor will recommend further evaluation or treatment.

What Affects Your CBC Test Results?

Several factors can influence the CBC test results including medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and certain medications.

Impact of Medications and Lifestyle on CBC Results

Certain medications like corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and growth hormone therapies may alter blood cell counts or haemoglobin levels. 10,11 Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, physical and emotional stress, and intense exercise can influence red blood cell production and overall blood composition.

Medical Conditions That Can Impact CBC Results

Illnesses like infections, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus lead to increased WBC count. Conditions like HIV and certain cancers lead to decreased WBC count. Dehydration, heart disease, and lung disease due to smoking can cause increased RBC count. Conditions like anaemia, alcohol use disorder, pregnancy, kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, or malnutrition may result in decreased RBC count and haemoglobin levels.

How Anaemia and Blood Disorders Affect CBC Results

Anaemia and blood disorders significantly impact CBC results. Here is how different types of anaemia alter the CBC test results:

Iron-deficiency anaemia leads to low RBC count, haemoglobin, and haematocrit levels, often with smaller-sized RBCs (with low MCV).
In vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, RBCs are larger than normal (with high MCV).
Sickle cell anaemia shows low RBC count and haemoglobin with irregularly shaped cells.
Thalassemia presents with low haemoglobin and small RBCs but with normal RBC distribution.
Leukaemia affects WBC counts, often lowering platelet and RBC levels, while polycythaemia vera leads to elevated RBC count, haemoglobin, and haematocrit due to excessive RBC production.

When to Seek Medical Advice Based on CBC Test Results

Abnormalities in the CBC test results may indicate underlying health issues that may require further evaluation and management.

Consulting a Doctor for High/Abnormal CBC Levels

High or low blood counts in RBCs, WBCs, or platelets may indicate various conditions. A doctor can help interpret your CBC results and recommend further tests or treatment if necessary.

Addressing Abnormal CBC Results

If your CBC results reveal significant abnormalities such as anaemia, low platelet count, or elevated WBCs, it's important to discuss these findings with your doctor. They can help identify potential causes such as nutrient deficiencies, infections, or chronic diseases and suggest lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, or medication to manage the condition.

When Are Lifestyle Changes Not Enough?

Sometimes, abnormal CBC results may persist despite lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet or managing stress. In such cases, medical intervention may be required to address the condition.

Medication Adjustments Based on CBC Levels

A CBC is monitored during the treatment of health conditions, such as cancer, leukaemia, hepatitis or liver damage, autoimmune diseases, and bleeding disorders, to assess how the body is responding to treatment and to detect any potential complications. It helps track changes in blood cell levels, which can indicate the effectiveness of treatment and allows adjustment of treatments if needed.

Key Benefits of the CBC Test

The CBC test offers numerous benefits in the diagnosis and monitoring of health conditions, as follows:

Provides Comprehensive Blood Health Assessment: A CBC offers a complete overview of your blood health by measuring multiple parameters in a single test.

Is Valuable for Routine Checkups: Including CBC in regular check-ups helps maintain normal blood levels and supports proactive health management.

Allows Early Detection of Health Issues: CBC tests can detect problems like infections, anaemia, and bleeding disorders early, even before symptoms appear. For instance, a low RBC count and haemoglobin levels may indicate anaemia.

Allows for Monitoring of Chronic Conditions: Regular CBCs help track the impact of diseases like diabetes or hypertension on blood health.

Is a Cost-Effective Tool: The CBC test is relatively inexpensive and provides a comprehensive overview of your health, thus helping prevent complications and the need for expensive treatments in the future.

Common Diseases Diagnosed on CBC Test

Some common diseases that can be diagnosed with a CBC Test include:

Anaemia
Infections
Leukaemia
Thrombocytopenia
Autoimmune diseases
Polycythaemia
Thrombocytosis

Risk Factors for Blood-Related Disorders

Blood-related disorders can arise from a combination of risk factors, such as:

Ageing
Family history of blood disorders
Chronic diseases like kidney or liver disease
Lifestyle habits
Prolonged use of certain medications
Autoimmune diseases
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy
Certain infections, such as hepatitis and HIV
Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, iron, or folate deficiency

Regular checking of CBC in individuals with these risk factors allows for early diagnosis and treatment of their health conditions.

Complications of Untreated Abnormalities in CBC Levels

Untreated abnormalities in CBC levels can lead to a variety of serious complications that may affect overall health. Here is how abnormal cell counts in CBC can cause health complications:

RBCs: High RBC levels, known as polycythaemia, can lead to complications such as blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and hypertension. Conversely, low RBC levels, or anaemia, may result in fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and, in severe cases, is associated with heart failure.

WBCs: An elevated WBC count can be associated with chronic inflammation and blood cancers like leukaemia. On the other hand, low WBC level, or leukopenia, is associated with weak immunity, frequent infections, and delayed wound healing. 10

Platelets: High platelet counts, called thrombocytosis, can lead to severe complications like the formation of blood clots and stroke. Low platelet levels, known as thrombocytopenia, can cause bleeding, easy bruising, petechiae (tiny red spots), and even internal haemorrhage in severe cases.

How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining healthy RBC, WBC, and platelet counts is essential for overall well-being. Here are some lifestyle tips to help improve your CBC parameter levels:

Make sure you consume a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Also include lean meats, beans, leafy greens, and fish in your diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Engage in moderate physical activity like walking, cycling, or swimming as a part of a healthy lifestyle.
Drink plenty of fluids to maintain adequate hydration.
Limit smoking and alcohol consumption.
Maintain good hygiene by washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with sick individuals.
Ensure that you are up to date on your vaccinations for protection from infections.

By adopting these healthy lifestyle habits, you can help regulate your CBC test levels and support overall blood health.

Other Similar Tests live CBC Test

There are other, similar tests available that can provide a broader view of your health. These include the following:

The CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein) detects inflammation related to infections or chronic diseases like arthritis. An Iron Panel checks iron levels for diagnosing iron deficiency anaemia.
Vitamin B12 Test and folate levels are useful for diagnosing certain types of anaemia.
Coagulation tests are done to detect clotting disorders in the body.
A Reticulocyte Count test is used to evaluate bone marrow function in anaemia.
Thyroid Function tests are conducted to diagnose thyroid disorders, which can cause fatigue or weight changes similar to anaemia.

Combination Tests With CBC

A CBC test may be combined with other tests for an accurate diagnosis of an illness. Some of the tests done with CBC include:

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test : The ESR test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube in one hour and is a key indicator of inflammation. When done with the CBC test, it helps in diagnosing conditions like infections, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer.
Lipid Panel: The CBC test can also be combined with a Lipid Profile Test to evaluate cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
Kidney Function Tests (KFTs) and Liver Function Tests (LFTs) : CBC may also be combined with Kidney Function Test or Liver Function Test for evaluation of individuals with kidney or liver disease, respectively.

Testing During Pregnancy or Special Conditions

The role of CBC remains integral in the diagnosis of multiple illnesses during special conditions such as:

Pregnancy: CBC testing is crucial for monitoring both the mother's and baby's health. Regular CBC tests can help with the early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like anaemia (common during pregnancy), infections, and clotting disorders in pregnant women.
Differential Diagnosis of Anaemia: The CBC test can also aid in the differential diagnosis of various conditions. RDW, a component of CBC, helps distinguish between different types of anaemia, with increased RDW indicating iron-deficiency anaemia and normal RDW suggesting thalassemia.
Differential Diagnosis of Anaemia: The RBC indices such as MCV, MCH, and MCHC along with haemoglobin and haematocrit are also assessed in differentiating the type of anaemia.
Cardiovascular Outcomes: In individuals with heart diseases, high MPV is linked to worse cardiovascular outcomes. RDW is also significant in diagnosing non-haematological conditions like heart diseases and infections.
Other Special Conditions: Individuals with autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders, and those undergoing chemotherapy may also require frequent CBC monitoring to track how they influence blood cell counts.