CBC / Hemogram Test

Comprehensive Health & Well-being

With CBC/Hemogram Test

The Complete Blood Count (CBC), or Hemogram test, is a routine blood check up that is widely performed, often as the primary measure of assessment. This blood test provides detailed information about the composition and health of the blood and overall body. It measures various components in the blood and helps healthcare providers assess the functioning of various organs and systems in the body. It plays an instrumental role in detecting any underlying issues, infections, or abnormalities in functioning of any organ system. CBC test is also performed to monitor symptoms and ongoing treatments to determine the overall well-being of an individual.

Overview of the Key Aspects of the Complete Blood Count Test:

Components measured in the CBC Test: 

There are various components measured in the CBC test to provide a complete picture of the health of an individual which include:

Red blood cells (RBCs): Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and their abnormal levels can be an indication of severe conditions.

White Blood Cells (WBCs): These cells form the first line of defence in the body and their levels help in determining whether there is infection or inflammation in the body.

Platelets: The cells helps in determining normal functioning of blood clotting mechanism.

Hemoglobin (Hb): A protein in the blood that carries oxygen and it’s abnormal levels can be an indication of anemia and liver dysfunction, among others.

Hematocrit: This component determines the amount of RBCs in the blood.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): This component measures the average volume of one RBC.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): This component measures the concentration of hemoglobin in a single RBC.

Procedure: 

●       Patients may be advised to fast before the blood collection if the test is carried out for specific assessment.

●       The phlebotomist will clean the area with an antiseptic to make it sterile.

●       A sterile needle will then be injected into the vein in the arm of the patient for blood collection.

●       The blood will then be collected into specific tubes lined with anticoagulants.

●       The puncture wound will be then covered with a cotton ball or gauze strip to stop bleeding and seal the wound.

●       The sample will then be sent to the laboratory for analysis.

●       Depending on the assessment, the analysis takes a few hours to one day.

●       Results obtained will then be interpreted by the healthcare provider.

●       In case of any abnormalities, patients may be advised to undergo further testing for specific conditions.

Benefits: 

●       Rapid, relatively painless, and minimally invasive

●       Helps in diagnosing and monitoring of various conditions such as anemia, infections, blood disorders, and inflammation, among others

●       Vital in routine check-ups and pre-operative assessments

●       Helps in monitoring and management of ongoing disease treatment

●       Helps in detecting potential problems before they become severe

●       Gives a comprehensive understanding of the overall health of an individual

Patients must inform their healthcare provider about their medical history including any medications or medical procedures as it can interfere with the blood test results. Patients must stay hydrated before the test as it enables easy sample collection and accurate test results. Patients must avoid any rigorous activity or workouts before the blood test as it can affect some components of the CBC panel. If the patient has donated blood recently, is pregnant, or is menstruating, they should inform the healthcare provider as it can affect the results of the blood test.