Full understanding of your blood test helps you to detect any condition early so that treatment for the condition can start as soon as possible. A complete blood count is essential to maintain overall health.
A typical blood test is the complete blood count (CBC), which can be done with one sample of blood and gives you information on a wide range of disorders, conditions, and infections.
So, don’t worry after reading this article. You can understand your blood test results easily.
What is the purpose of the CBD test and what can a complete blood count detect?
The CBC test is the screening procedure where we can find the panel of tests like RBC count, WBC count, platelet count, haemoglobin, and WBC differentiation. The test measures the parameters that are related to our blood cells.
A complete blood count test can detect a wide range of diseases like anaemia, infection, leukaemia and other health problems.
Chart of normal blood count ranges
| S.No. | Types of Parameters | Men | Women | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | R.B.C. Count | 4.5-5.5 million/mm3 | 3.5-5.5 million/mm3 | 4.0-5.5 million/mm3 |
| 2 | W.B.C. Count | 4000-11000 cells/mm3 | 4000-11000 cells/mm3 | 4000-11000 cells/mm3 |
| 3 | Thrombocytes(platelets) | 150000 – 300000/mm3 | 150000 – 300000/mm3 | 150000 – 300000/mm3 |
| 4 | Haemoglobin | 13-18 g/dl | 11.5-16.5 g/dl | 7.5-14.5 g/dl |
| 5 | E.S.R | 0-15mm/1hr | 0-20mm/1hr | 0-13mm/1hr |
| 6 | Clotting time of blood | 4-9 minutes | 4-9 minutes | 4-9 minutes |
W.B.C. differential analysis gives the distribution of five differential leucocytes.
| S.No. | W.B.C. | % Count | Actual Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basophils | 0-1% | 0-100 |
| 2 | Eosinophils | 1-4% | 40-400 |
| 3 | Monocytes | 4-8% | 160-800 |
| 4 | Lymphocytes | 23-35% | 1000-3500 |
| 5 | Neutrophils | 60-70% | 2500-700 |
Complete blood count (CBC) test value interpretation
The normal test value ranges for men, women, and children are mentioned in the above tables. Here I am explaining the interpretation of the increased or decreased test value of the haematological parameters.
Red blood cells (R.B.C.)/erythrocytes
An absolute increase in the number of circulating R.B.C. leads to erythrocytosis and is observed in various pathological conditions like chronic heart disease, cholera, and burns.
A decrease in the number of R.B.C. is observed in pregnancy, anaemia etc.
White blood cells (W.B.C.) / leucocytes
An increase in W.B.C.’s indicates an infection like bacterial infection, fever, tonsillitis, diphtheria, smallpox, cold etc. Excessive increases lead to leukaemia.
Increased W.B.C’s count called leucocytosis is observed in pregnancy, new-born infants, emotional disturbances, menstruation, fear etc.
W.B.C. differentials
Basophils:
An increase in basophil numbers leads to chicken pox, mumps, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, pertussis, granulocytic leukaemia, lymphocytic leukaemia, and breast cancer.
Eosinophil:
Increase in Eosinophilia, also called eosinophilia, is a condition that causes allergic disorders such as asthma, eczema, food allergies, skin diseases such as leprosy, pruritic, dermatitis, cholera, ovarian and uterine tumours, ulcerative colitis, and so on.
A decrease in eosinophils called eosinopenia is found in stress and in acute infections.
Monocytes:
Monocytes increases found in tuberculosis, monocytes leukaemia, ulcerative colitis, malaria and bacterial infections.
Lymphocytes:
Lymphocytes increase with whooping cough and viral infection and decrease as an indication of stress, cardiac failure, AIDS, renal failure, etc.
Neutrophils:
An increase in neutrophils is observed in rheumatoid arthritis, gout, myocardial infarction, etc.
Platelets (Thrombocytes)
Thrombocytes increase in tuberculosis, acute haemorrhage, anaemia, etc., and their decrease is an indication of dengue, myeloproliferative disorder, spleen enlargement, etc.
Haemoglobin
The presence of haemoglobin gives an idea of the oxygen carrying capacity of R.B.C. A decrease in haemoglobin percentage leads to anaemia and an increase gives an indication of dehydration and polycythaemia.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate(E.S.R)
Increase in E.S.R. is observed in myocardial infraction, rheumatoid arthritis, T.B, renal diseases, cancer, anaemia etc. and decrease is indicative of sickle cell anaemia.
Clotting time of blood
This is used to diagnose haemophilia, vitamin K deficiency anaemia, leukaemia, jaundice, etc.
The complete blood count (CBC) test is performed as follows
- There is no special preparation needed for the CBC test.
- Your provider takes a sample of blood from your vein and collects it in a tube.
- After collection of the sample, the provider will send it to the lab for analysis.
- The lab does a series of tests, and within some hours you will find your report either physically or online.
- Your body quickly rebuilds the blood and you can easily return to your usual activities.
Are there any risks from the CBC test?
The complete blood count (CBC) test is a safe procedure with minimal risks. Some people or kids might get faint or lightheaded during taking the sample because of a strong fear of needles or blood.
A small bruise or soreness seen around the site is common and will disappear after a few days.
Video of Understanding the CBC Report.
FAQ’s
What is the best time to do a CBC test and how should you prepare yourself?
You can take this test at any time. If your blood sample is tested only for a complete blood count, then you can eat and drink before the test. No special preparation is necessary, but if your blood sample is required for any other tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. Your physician will give you specific instructions.
How long does the blood test take to get results?
Timing can depend upon the lab where you get tested. Generally, blood tests can take a few hours to get results.
How can we find out the CT value from CBC reports?
The CT value is the clotting time of the blood, which shows the time required for coagulation of blood when fibrinogen is converted to fibrin to form a matrix for fixation of the cellular portion. Normal range of whole body clotting time is 4-9 minutes at 37 ⁰ C.
Conclusion:
A blood test value shows the result of an overall health condition. Because blood is involved in so many vital processes, such as the oxygen delivery system and the waste removal mechanism, which includes our major organs like the liver, kidney, spleen, and lungs, etc., you can detect abnormalities in your blood and monitor various diseases.
Disclaimer: The information provided at this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for any medical treatment.
Also Read:
Normal Respiration Rates At Various Ages
References:
Pratibha Nand,R.K. Khar,Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy,pg 142-145.