The Complete Blood Count (CBC), also known as the Haemogram Test, is a common blood test that gives important information about your blood cells. It checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.
Doctors use this test to find problems like infections, anemia, immune system issues, and blood cancers. It is a quick and simple test that helps check your overall health and find out if anything is wrong in your body.
Purpose of the CBC Haemogram Test
The CBC test is often one of the first tests ordered when someone isn’t feeling well. It helps doctors understand what’s happening inside your body by analyzing:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These cells take oxygen from your lungs and carry it to the other parts of your body.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): These help your body fight infections.
- Platelets: These are small cell fragments that help your blood to clot.
- Hemoglobin: A protein in RBCs that carries oxygen.
- Hematocrit: The part of your blood that is made up of red blood cells.
Why is the CBC Haemogram Test Important?
The CBC test provides a complete picture of your blood health and helps in:
- Early detection of diseases: Many conditions like infections, anemia, and even cancers show up in blood test results.
- Monitoring treatment effectiveness: It shows whether your treatment is working, especially for conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, or during chemotherapy.
- Routine health checks: It’s commonly done during annual check-ups to ensure all blood components are in balance.
- Pre-surgery screening: It checks if you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery by evaluating your hemoglobin levels and immune status.
This test is important because even small changes in your blood can be early signs of more serious health issues.
When is the CBC Haemogram Test Recommended?
Your doctor may advise a CBC test if you are experiencing:
It is also recommended:
- During regular health check-ups
- Before surgeries
- To monitor chronic conditions like anemia, leukemia, or autoimmune diseases
- While undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy
How Does the CBC Haemogram Test Work?
The test works by analyzing the different types of blood cells in a small sample of your blood. A machine called a hematology analyzer counts and measures each type of cell. The results are compared with normal reference ranges to identify any abnormalities.
- Having too few red blood cells may mean you have anemia
- Having too many white blood cells may mean you have an infection.
- Low platelets could mean a risk of bleeding or bone marrow issues.
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Get Second OpinionCBC Haemogram Test Procedure
The CBC Haemogram Test Procedure is quick and simple. Here's how it is performed:
How Should I Prepare for the CBC Haemogram Test?
Usually, you don’t need to do anything special before this test:
- Fasting: Not required unless combined with other tests.
- Medication: Inform your doctor about any medicines, supplements, or treatments you are currently taking.
- Stay relaxed: Stress or anxiety may cause slight changes in blood pressure or white blood cell count.
What Type of Sample is Collected for the CBC Haemogram Test?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm:
- A tourniquet is tied around your arm
- The area is cleaned with an antiseptic
- A needle is gently placed into a vein to take blood into a small tube.
- Afterward, pressure is applied and a bandage is placed
How is the CBC Haemogram Test Performed?
During the CBC Haemogram test, a lab worker will tie a band around your upper arm to make the vein easier to see and use. Then, they clean the skin with alcohol to keep it clean. A clean needle is gently put into your vein to take some blood into a small tube. After enough blood is taken, the needle is taken out, and they press on the spot to stop any bleeding. The test is quick, and you might feel a small pinch, but it usually doesn’t hurt much and only lasts a moment.
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Understanding CBC Haemogram Test Results and Follow-Up
The results are provided as a list of numbers. Here are the key parameters and their typical ranges:
| Componet | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| RBC | 4.7–6.1 million/mcL (men), 4.2–5.4 (women) |
| Hemoglobin | 13.8–17.2 g/dL (men), 12.1–15.1 (women) |
| Hematocrit | 40.7%–50.3% (men), 36.1%–44.3% (women) |
| WBC | 4,500–11,000 cells/mcL |
| Platelet Count | 150,000–450,000/mcL |
What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
- Low RBC/Hemoglobin/Hematocrit: May indicate anemia, blood loss, or vitamin deficiencies.
- High WBC Count: Often a sign of infection or inflammation, but can also suggest immune disorders or leukemia.
- Low WBC Count: May result from autoimmune diseases, bone marrow issues, or medication side effects.
- Abnormal Platelet Levels: May increase bleeding risk or clotting problems.
What Should I Do After Getting My CBC Haemogram Test?
After you receive your test report:
- Consult your doctor: They will explain your results and tell you what to do next.
- Follow-up testing: If your results are not normal, your doctor may ask you to do extra tests like a blood smear, iron check, or vitamin B12 test.
- Treatment: Based on the diagnosis, treatment could involve medication, supplements, or changes in lifestyle.
- Regular monitoring: If you have a long-lasting problem like anemia, you might need to do the CBC test often.
How Much Does the CBC Haemogram Test Cost in India?
A complete blood count (CBC) haemogram test is one of the most common diagnostic tests. In India, the cost normally ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 550. Prices may vary slightly depending on the city and diagnostic provider.
CBC Haemogram Test Prices in Different Cities Across India
| City | Price |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count test costs in Hyderabad | Rs.300 to Rs.500 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Vizag | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Nashik | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Chh. Sambhajinagar | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Nellore | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Chandanagar | Rs.250 to Rs.450 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Srikakulam | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Sangamner | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Kurnool | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Kakinada | Rs.450 to Rs.650 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Karimnagar | Rs.300 to Rs.500 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Pune | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Nizamabad | Rs.250 to Rs.450 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Navi Mumbai | Rs.250 to Rs.450 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Vizianagaram | Rs.200 to Rs.400 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Bengaluru | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
| Complete blood count test costs in Warangal | Rs.350 to Rs.550 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The CBC test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein, usually from your arm. You may feel a quick pinch or slight discomfort during the needle insertion, but the pain is minimal and short-lived.
In most cases, you can eat and drink normally before a CBC test. However, if your doctor has ordered additional tests along with CBC that require fasting, they may ask you to avoid food and drink for 8–12 hours.
Yes, certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, or corticosteroids can influence your blood cell counts. Always inform your doctor about any medicines or supplements you're taking before the test.
Abnormal results may indicate infections, inflammation, anemia, clotting issues, or other blood disorders. Your doctor will interpret the results in context with your symptoms and may recommend further tests if needed.
The frequency depends on your health condition and doctor's advice. It may be done annually as part of a routine check-up or more often if you're managing a chronic illness, infection, or undergoing treatment.
CBC test results are usually available within a few hours to 1–2 days, depending on the lab. Some advanced diagnostic centers may offer same-day results for faster diagnosis and treatment.
