Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in Mohali | Chandigarh | Panchkula
A CBC is one of the most common and essential tests in blood analysis for modern medicine. It is a method of getting crucial information to evaluate the general state of health of a person. The many parameters like number of red cells, white cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets are measured. The CBC test is one of the basic diagnostic tests that are done daily in routine health check-ups, disease diagnosis, and monitoring. Presently, a review is being attempted to explore the significance of the complete blood count test, its procedure, and the relevant costs in Mohali, India.
What is a Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test?
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the broad term for assessment of the cells of blood. It is an essential component of the medical diagnosis and serves well, as a diagnostic tool to identify a wide range of disorders, from infections to cancers.
1.1. Components of a CBC Test: A CBC test analyzes various cellular elements in the blood and various parameters about these cells, including:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These cells carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. A CBC test is conducted to determine the RBC count, which may help to diagnose anemia, dehydration and other conditions.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): WBCs consist of the portion of the immune system that provides aid to fight against various infections. A CBC test gives the count of WBCs, which usually indicates the existence of infections, inflammation, or disorders in the immune system, if any.
- Hemoglobin (Hb): It is a protein in the red blood cells that bears the responsibility of carrying oxygen. Hb test helps in establishing the diagnosis of anemia and other disorders of blood.
- Hematocrit (Hct): It refers to the percentage of the volume of blood occupied by the RBCs. Abnormal hematocrit levels reflect various conditions, such as dehydration, anemia, or polycythemia.
- Platelets: Platelets are small blood cells involved in blood clotting. The CBC count quantifies platelets, which, when abnormal, may point toward disorders in bleeding or bone marrow issues.
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): It is the average size of the red blood cells. MCV helps diagnose various anemias.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Mean corpuscular hemoglobin is the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell. It will give further indication of the type of anemia.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): The average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red cells.
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): This shows the variation in the size of red blood cells. Because of this, it can aid in the diagnosis of types of anemia.
1.2. Importance of a CBC Test: The CBC test is vital for several reasons:
- Routine Health Checkups: It gives a snapshot of the overall health of a person.
- Diagnosis: This may aid in diagnosing various conditions such as infections, anemia, immune system disorders, and cancers.
- Monitoring Health Conditions: In patients who have chronic conditions like leukemias or anemia, regularly administered CBC tests come in handy to keep track of progress and the effectiveness of treatment.
- Pre-Surgery Evaluation: Before any surgery, one is always required to undergo a CBC test to prove that he or she is healthy and will have the energy to withstand the surgery.
The CBC Test Procedure
The CBC test is a very simple, relatively non-invasive test that requires a drawing of some amount of blood from a vein. This is usually done in the arm. Here is an overview of the steps involved in the test procedure in incremental steps:
2.1. Preparation:
- Fasting: In most cases, there is no need to fast for a CBC test. However, if it is being conducted along with some other tests, then your doctor may recommend fasting.
- Medication: Always inform your doctor about any medications you may be taking, as different drugs may interfere with the results of the test.
- Relaxation: Avoid becoming anxious and stressed before the test, as tension elevates blood pressure and heartbeats.
2.2. The Blood Draw:
- Cleaning the Site: The health professional cleans the point of insertion, usually the inside of the elbow, with an antiseptic to prevent infection.
- Applying the Tourniquet: An elastic band is tied around the upper arm, causing the veins to fill up with blood; these then become prominent and can be easily located.
- Inserting the Needle: A sterile needle is then inserted into a vein, and blood is drawn into a vial or syringe.
- Collecting the Sample: Once an adequate amount of blood has been drawn, the needle is withdrawn and the puncture site is covered with a bandage.
2.3. Post-Test Care:
- Apply Pressure: Applying pressure to the puncture site helps stop the bleeding.
- Hydration: Drinking water after the test can help replace any fluids lost.
- Monitoring: Some individuals may experience slight bruising or discomfort at the puncture site, but this is usually temporary.
2.4. Test Results: The blood is then sent to the laboratory for testing. Results can be ready within a few hours or in a couple of days at the latest. They are interpreted by your treating physician, who will explain the findings and the measures needed thereafter.
A complete blood count test is a very essential diagnostic test that provides one with relevant information about the health status of the individual. This blood test is available in many health facilities across Mohali which has various services at very affordable rates. In case one is due for a general health check-up or in need of this test for specific diseases, it is quite useful for one to get to know the components of the CBC test and the corresponding prices that are quoted for decision-making purposes in healthcare.
Thus, with regular testing such as the CBC, it is possible to timely identify any potential health problem awaiting you ahead, thereby allowing timely intervention and treatment. Choose a pathology lab in Mohali that has the best quality, accuracy, and convenience