What is the CBC Test / Hemogram Test?
The CBC test, also known as the Complete Blood Count or Complete Blood Picture test, is a common blood test that analyses overall health and helps detect various conditions such as infections, anemia, and leukemia.
The CBC test includes the following measurements:
- White blood cells: These are cells that fight infections.
- Red blood cells: Responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.
- Hemoglobin: The protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.
- Hematocrit: The proportion of red blood cells to the plasma in your blood.
- Platelets: Essential for blood clotting.
Abnormal values in these measurements may indicate underlying medical conditions, which may require further testing.
What is CBC / Hemogram Test used for?
The CBC test is commonly included in yearly physical checkups and is used to track the effects of prescribed medications. It serves various purposes, such as
- checking for blood abnormalities that indicate underlying diseases
- examining overall health
- monitoring blood disorders
Healthcare providers may order this test for a complete examination of a patient’s blood health.
Understanding the CBC / Hemogram Test Results
The CBC test measures various blood components, and the normal ranges of the CBC / Hemogram Test are as follows:
- Red Blood Cells (RBC): 4.5 to 5.5 million cells/mcL for male, and 4.0 to 5.0 million cells/mcL for female.
- Hemoglobin (Hb): 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for male, and 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL for female.
- Hematocrit: 38.8% to 50% for male, and 34.9% to 44.5% for female.
- White Blood Cells (WBC): 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mcL for adults
- Platelets: 150,000 to 450,000 cells/mcL for adults
Abnormalities in these values could indicate the following conditions:
- Low red blood cells, hematocrit, or hemoglobin: Iron deficiency, anemia, or heart disease.
- Low white blood cell count: Autoimmune disorders, cancer, bone marrow disorders, or viral infections.
- High white blood cell count: Infection, inflammation, stress, or leukemia.
- Low platelet count: Bleeding disorders, bone marrow problems, or certain medications.
- High platelet count: Infections, inflammation, or certain bone marrow disorders.
It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and proper interpretation of your test results.