How can CBC test help you understand overall health?

If you are suffering from unexplained fatigue, or chronic infections, the healthcare professionals often ask you to take Complete blood count (CBC) test. If you want to know what this test is and how it can help your healthcare provider to diagnose and treat your health condition, keep reading this blog post.

What is CBC Test?

CBC is a common blood test that provides important information about the types and numbers of cells in your blood. It includes measurements of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, as well as other parameters. A CBC test can be a valuable tool for assessing overall health and detecting various medical conditions. Here’s how it can help:

Hemoglobin (Hb) and Hematocrit (Hct): These measures indicate the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in your blood and the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Low levels may suggest anemia or other blood disorders.

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): This measures the number of red blood cells in a specific volume of blood. Abnormalities may indicate conditions such as anemia or polycythemia.

White Blood Cells (WBCs): This measures the number of white blood cells in your blood. Elevated levels may indicate infection, inflammation, or other immune system disorders.

Platelet Count: Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Abnormalities in platelet count can indicate bleeding disorders or increased risk of clotting.

Differential Blood Count

This part of the CBC breaks down the types of white blood cells, providing information about the specific types present. This can help identify infections or other immune system disorders.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): These indices provide information about the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells, helping to identify different types of anemia.

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW): RDW measures the variation in size of red blood cells. It can be useful in diagnosing anemias and other blood disorders.

While a CBC provides valuable information, it is usually just one part of a comprehensive diagnostic process. Additional tests and assessments may be necessary to confirm or further investigate any abnormalities detected in the CBC. If your healthcare provider has asked you to do a CBC or any other diagnostic blood test you can book an appointment with Health2home for the most convenient blood test experience and accurate results.