Complete Blood Count (CBC)

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Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Introduction

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most common and essential blood tests performed to evaluate overall health. It measures several components and features of blood including Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs), Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and Platelets.
Doctors commonly use CBC to diagnose conditions like anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorders, immune system problems, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

What Does CBC Measure?

1. Red Blood Cells (RBC)

RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to all body tissues.

  • Low RBC → Anemia, nutritional deficiency, blood loss

  • High RBC → Dehydration, smoking, lung or heart diseases

2. Hemoglobin (Hb)

Hemoglobin is the protein in RBCs responsible for oxygen transport.

  • Normal Range

    • Men: 13–17 g/dL

    • Women: 12–15 g/dL

  • Low Hemoglobin → Anemia, chronic disease, bleeding

  • High Hemoglobin → Dehydration,altitude, lung diseases 

3. Hematocrit (HCT)

Percentage of blood volume made up of RBCs.

  • Low HCT → Anemia, malnutrition

  • High HCT → Dehydration, smoking

4. White Blood Cells (WBC)

WBCs fight infection and support the immune system.

  • Normal Range: 4,000 – 11,000/µL

  • High WBC → Infection, inflammation, stress, leukemia

  • Low WBC → Viral infection, autoimmune disease, bone marrow disorder

5. Platelets (PLT)

Help in blood clotting and prevent bleeding.

  • Normal Range: 150,000 – 450,000/µL

  • Low Platelets (Thrombocytopenia) → Dengue, viral illness, bleeding disorders

  • High Platelets (Thrombocytosis) → Inflammation, risk of blood clots

6. MCV, MCH, MCHC

These parameters help determine the type of anemia:

  • MCV = Size of RBC

  • MCH / MCHC = Amount of hemoglobin per RBC


Why Is CBC Done?

Reason Purpose
Weakness or fatigue Detect anemia
Fever or infection Check increased WBC
Before surgery Evaluate baseline health
Bleeding or bruising Check platelet level
Monitor treatment During chemotherapy, anemia treatment

Normal CBC Values (Reference Range)

Parameter Normal Range
Hemoglobin M: 13–17 g/dL, F: 12–15 g/dL
WBC 4,000 – 11,000/µL
RBC M: 4.5–5.9 million/µL, F: 4.0–5.1 million/µL
Platelets 150,000–450,000/µL
Hematocrit M: 41–50%, F: 36–44%

What Do Abnormal CBC Results Indicate?


Finding Possible Cause
Low Hemoglobin / RBC Anemia, nutrition deficiency, bleeding
High WBC Bacterial infection, inflammation, leukemia
Low WBC Viral infection, bone marrow damage
Low Platelets Dengue, viral infection, bleeding disorders
High Platelets Blood clot risk, inflammation

Preparation for CBC Test

  • No fasting is required

  • Inform doctor about medications

  • If other tests are combined, fasting may be required

Conclusion

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a fundamental diagnostic test that provides critical information about blood health and overall body function. It helps detect early signs of diseases and guides treatment decisions. Doctors often recommend CBC as a routine test during fever, fatigue, weakness, infections, and pre-surgery evaluations.




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