Rapid CBC Blood Tests

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By Yhordan Serpentini | May 31, 2023

Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests are vital tools that can help individuals monitor their overall health and identify potential health issues. In today’s blog, we will dive into what a CBC blood test is, what is measured and tested during the test, what the average results are and what they mean, and how to prepare for a CBC blood test.

CBC

What Is A CBC Test?

A complete blood count (CBC) test is a simple, routine blood test that measures the different components of your blood typically including measurements of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The results of a test can provide valuable information about a person’s overall health and can help diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including infections, anemia, and leukemia.

What Is Measured During A CBC

As already mentioned, the CBC test measures several different values of your blood, including the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, the number and type of white blood cells, as well as the number of platelets in the blood, which are a crucial tool required for blood clotting. Below is a list of the most common factors measured:

  • Red Blood Cells: The test measures the number of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs throughout your body thanks to the proteins found within them. If the number of red blood cells is low, it could indicate anemia or blood loss. Additionally, low red blood cells could be fatal in certain circumstances or could be indications of worse or worsening conditions.
  • White Blood Cells: The test measures the number of white blood cells in your blood. White blood cells are responsible for fighting infections and diseases. If the number of white blood cells is high, it could indicate infections like HIV or HSV, inflammation, leukemia, or autoimmune disease.
  • Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body’s tissue. The CBC test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. If the hemoglobin level is low, it could indicate anemia, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, or other conditions.
  • Hematocrit: CBC tests measure the percentage of red blood cells in the total volume of blood in your body (known as hematocrit). If the hematocrit percentage level is low, it could indicate anemia, chronic kidney disease, chronic illness, bone marrow failure to produce new red blood cells, bleeding, or other blood-related conditions.
  • Platelets: The test measures the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting when the body is injured or wounded. If the platelet count is low, it could indicate a bleeding disorder, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia, or lymphoma.

Understanding CBC Results

The average results of a CBC blood test can vary depending on age, sex, and overall health, so it’s imperative that you are aware of both aware of the factors that contribute to a test result, as well as discuss your results with your primary care physician. Generally, the normal ranges for a CBC test are:

  • Red blood cells: 4.5 to 5.5 million cells per microliter (mcL) for men, and 4.0 to 5.0 million cells/mcL for women.
  • White blood cells: 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mcL.
  • Hemoglobin: 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for men, and 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL for women.
  • Hematocrit: 38.8% to 50.0% for men, and 34.9% to 44.5% for women.
  • Platelets: 150,000 to 450,000/mcL.

If your CBC test results fall outside of the normal range, it could indicate an underlying health condition. As previously stated. it is heavily encouraged to discuss your results with your doctor for further evaluation.

How To Prepare For A CBC Test

Preparing for a CBC blood test is simple. There are no specific preparations needed outside of fasting 6-12 hours prior to testing. It’s also recommended that you wear a short-sleeved shirt to make it easier for the healthcare provider to draw blood Moreover, prepare by informing your healthcare provider of any medications, supplements, or herbs you may be taking, as they can affect the results of the test.

CBC Testing Options

Rapid Bio Lab’s CBC blood test options are fast, reliable, and accurate tests that can help detect a variety of health conditions. If you are due for a check-up or if you suspect that something may be wrong, visit our Lab Tests page to book your CBC appointment and get your sample collected for testing.

You can track your reports online and get notified when your reports are done, typically within 2 hours for on-site testing, unless manual (microscope) differential is needed–then results may take 24-48 hours. Our experienced healthcare professionals will provide you with excellent service and accurate results that can help you take control of your health.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

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