Complete Blood Count (CBC)
One of the most commonly ordered lab tests that provides a comprehensive overview of your blood cell composition
About This Test
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a blood test that evaluates your overall health and can detect a wide range of disorders including anemia, infection, and certain cancers. The CBC measures several components of your blood including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
This test is often part of a routine checkup and can help detect a variety of disorders such as anemia, infection, and other diseases. It's one of the most basic and informative laboratory tests available.
Why Get Tested?
A CBC may be ordered as part of a routine medical exam to monitor your general health, or to help diagnose medical conditions such as:
- Anemia or other blood disorders
- Infections or immune system disorders
- Inflammation
- Bleeding or clotting issues
- Response to certain medications
This test is also commonly required before surgeries and to monitor existing medical conditions.
What to Expect
The CBC is a simple blood test that requires only a small sample of blood, typically drawn from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The procedure takes less than five minutes and most people feel only a slight pinch when the needle is inserted.
There's typically no special preparation needed for a CBC test. You can eat and drink normally before the test unless your doctor has given you specific instructions.
Results are usually available within 24-48 hours and will be reviewed by our healthcare professionals who can explain what they mean for your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
A CBC measures several components of your blood, including red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which help your blood clot). It also checks hemoglobin, hematocrit, and other important values.
No, fasting is typically not required before a CBC test. You can eat and drink normally unless your doctor has given you specific instructions.
For healthy individuals, a CBC might be part of an annual physical exam. If you have a chronic condition or are on certain medications, your doctor might recommend more frequent testing.
While a CBC can detect abnormalities that might indicate the presence of certain blood cancers like leukemia, it is not a specific test for cancer. Abnormal results would typically lead to additional testing.
At ISACARE, CBC results are typically available within 24-48 hours. Our healthcare professionals will review your results and can explain what they mean for your health.