CBC Test Purpose, Prepare, Report & Price [2024]
A complete blood count or a CBC test is a report card of your blood. The report is also a measure of your overall health. The report includes different blood parameters that help your doctor to navigate through many health problems.
Get Health Packages With CBC test.
Test Details in Brief
| Also Known as | Complete blood count, CBP, Complete blood picture, Complete haemogram, CBC |
| Purpose | To evaluate blood and report counts of different blood components |
| Preparation | No Special Preparation Required |
| Fasting | No |
| Sample Type | Blood test |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 hours |
| Cost (INR) | Rs 300 to Rs 500 |
Health Check Packages With Free Home Collection
- Lipid (8)
- CBC (24)
- Thyroid (1)
- Urine Analysis (26)
- Kidney (6)
- Liver (11)
- Diabetes (1)
- Lipid (8)
- CBC (24)
- Thyroid (3)
- Urine Analysis (26)
- Kidney (6)
- Liver (11)
- Diabetes (1)
- Iron (3)
What is complete blood count (CBC)
A CBC test is a medical blood test. It counts blood cells or blood components that include:-
- Red blood cells (RBC)
- White blood cells (WBC)
- Platelets
- TLC
- DLC
The CBC test is an examination of a blood sample used by the doctors to diagnose the disease and conclude the line of treatment.
Purpose of CBC test
Counts of different components of blood indicate our overall wellness. In particular, a Complete blood count test detects anaemia, infections, inflammation and cancer. The test helps the healthcare provider to evaluate all the aspects of blood for better diagnosis and treatment. Such as:-
- Abnormalities in the blood
- Evaluation of overall health
- Rule out any disease or disorder
- Monitoring the treatment
- Diagnosis and treatment of various diseases
Your doctor also recommends a CBC test as a routine test in an annual body check-up.
Preparation And Precaution Before Test
CBC is a simple blood test that does not require any preparation unless your doctor suggests, as some tests might require 12 hours of fasting.
All you need to do is wear a loose sleeve outfit so that it is easy to roll up.
It is a safe and common blood test that does not involve any health risks. However, some might feel lightheaded by the sight of the blood.
CBC test Procedure
You can visit a lab to give the sample or get the sample collected from home.
- The phlebotomist first cleans the area with an alcoholic antiseptic. The blood sample is then taken by puncturing the vein in the inner elbow or from the back of the hand. Tying a rubber tube on the arms is required if the vein is not distinct. The prick feels like an ant bite and some might feel dizzy while seeing the blood.
- After withdrawing the sample the area is swabbed with alcoholic antiseptic and a small bandage secured with tape is put on the punctured area.
- The blood sample taken in a test tube. It is then labeled with your name and sent to the concerned lab for testing.
- Depending upon the labs the result of the test is out within a day or two.
Components and Result interpretation
There are 3 main components of the CBC test which includes other sub-components.
White blood cells (WBC)
White blood cells are responsible to protect the body against infections. They are manufactured in the bone marrow and are later released in the blood.
Increase in level
It might result from infection, allergies, cancer etc.
Decrease in level
A low level of WBCs indicates infection, autoimmune disease, deficiency of vitamins etc.
2.Red blood cell (RBC)
Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
Increase in level
High levels of RBCs might indicate chronic lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, exposure to carbon monoxide, smoking, excess alcohol consumption etc.
Decrease in level
Low levels of RBCs might occur due to anaemia, certain medications, bleeding, deficiency of certain vitamins etc.
3.Platelet count
Platelets are small pieces of large cells called megakaryocytes that are responsible to stop excess bleeding by forming clots on the site of injury.
Increase in level
Platelet count increases when a person recovers from surgery, anaemia, cancer, deficiency of vitamin B12, inflammation, infection.
Decrease in level
Low count of platelets may be due to cancer, anaemia, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, infections, chronic bleeding.
CBC Test Components
| RBC | WBC | Platelets |
|---|---|---|
| Hematocrit Haemoglobin MCV (Mean corpuscular volume) MCH (Mean corpuscular haemoglobin) MCHC RCDW (Red cell distribution width) | Basophils Lymphocytes Eosinophils Neutrophils Monocytes | Mean platelet volume |
White blood cells or leukocyte count (WBC) fights infection.
White blood cell differential count (DLC) is a measure of all the five types of WBCs i.e basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils.
Total leukocyte count (TLC) or absolute leukocyte count (ALC) is the number of white blood cells in the blood and gives a more accurate result when compared to differential count.
Red blood cell count (RBC)- It supplies oxygen to the body parts and carries carbon dioxide to the heart. Generally, a low level of RBC denotes anaemia.
Hematocrit (Hct)- It is a measurement of the quantity of blood made of red blood cells. A low level of hematocrit is a sign of deficiency of iron and a high level of it indicates dehydration or other conditions.
Haemoglobin (Hb)- The protein in the blood is called haemoglobin. It holds oxygen and supplies it to different parts of the body.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is the average size of RBCs. The size might increase due to deficiency of folate and it becomes smaller in certain kinds of anaemia.
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) denotes the volume of haemoglobin in red blood cells.
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) signifies the concentration of haemoglobin in certain amounts of blood.
Red cell distribution width (RDW), as the name suggests is a measure of the size of red blood cells.
Platelet count – A healthy level of platelet count helps in blood clotting.
Mean platelet volume (MPV) is the measure of the average size of the blood platelets.
CBC test results and normal range
The result is normal if the values fall within the normal reference range as mentioned in the reports. The abnormal level of the CBC components indicates various health risks.
The outcome of the values of the CBC test depends upon the age factor, gender, medical history and other factors. It is recommended to consult your doctor to understand the test results better.
The table given below shows the normal values of each component of CBC. It may be noted that normal range and reported values may vary depending on the testing methods.
| Test Component | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Hemoglobin (hb) | 13-17 g/dL |
| Packed Cell Volume (PCV) | 40-50% |
| RBC Count | 4.50-5.50 mill/mm3 |
| MCV | 80-100 fL |
| MCH | 27-32 pg |
| MCHC | 32-35 g/dL |
| Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) | 11.50-14.50 % |
| Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) | 4,000-10,000 thou/mm3 |
| Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC) | |
| Segmented neutrophils | 40-80% |
| Lymphocytes | 20-40% |
| Monocytes | 2-12% |
| Eosinophils | 1-6% |
| Basophils | < 2% |
| Platelet Count | 1,40,000-4,50,000 |
CBC test in pregnancy
Among the various tests done during pregnancy CBC is one of them. It is important as it indicates an infection in a pregnant woman. The CBC test result is used as a safeguard by the gynaecologist for both mother and child.
It is one of the important tests done during pregnancy to maintain and improve the overall health of mother and child and also to prevent unseen health risks.
The values of CBC components vary after three months or in each trimester.
Red blood cells
The fetus receives oxygen from the mother’s blood circulation. A healthy level of red blood cells ensures a good supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and a low level of RBCs means low-level haemoglobin. The latter causes tiredness as a result iron supplements is recommended during pregnancy.
White blood cells
White blood cells have a critical role during pregnancy. An ideal level of all the types of WBCs ensures the protection of mother and child against any infection. It also reveals any blood-related diseases in the mother.
Blood platelets
A high level of platelet during pregnancy can cause internal blood clots and haemorrhage and a low level of platelets hamper blood clotting.
CBC Test Price in India
The cost of the CBC test ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 500. The actual cost depends on:
- Numbers of components covered
- City (Metros are more expensive)
- Lab (Dr Lal pathlabs is more expensive than Thyrocare)
- Home Collection
From NABL Certified Lab, Price Rs 300 and Free Home Sample Collection
Cost at popular labs
Below table list the CBC test price at some of the popular diagnostic centres in India. Some of the labs have city-specific prices thus below list is indicative.
| Name of Lab | Test Cost |
|---|---|
| 1. Dr Lal Pathlabs | Rs 250-Rs 350 (City-based) |
| 2. Thyrocare | Rs 300 |
| 3. Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 300-Rs 450 (City Based) |
| 4. SRL Diagnostics | Rs 400 |
| 5. Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 330 |
City Wise Prices
As prices are different for different cities and different labs within those cities, it is difficult to tabulate them here. Still, a tentative range is given with a link to the respective city-wise lab list for CBC test price.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs 200 to Rs 400 |
| Mumbai | Rs 165 to Rs 350 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 202 to Rs 380 |
| Kolkata | Rs 220 to Rs 300 |
| Chennai | Rs 261 to Rs 300 |
| Ahmedabad | Rs 200 to Rs 300 |
| Bangalore | Rs 165 to Rs 350 |
Conclusion
Your doctor will use the complete blood count test to look after your health and prevent the body from disease, certain disorders and infections. A sample of blood for routine CBC tests can help you and your doctor manages a healthy life and on-time treatment if required. A complete blood count test is an important blood examination that must be done in routine to maintain a healthy life ahead.
₹250 ₹385
CBC Test
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.