Description
What is a CBC blood test?
Full Blood Count, also known as a hematology profile, or CBC provides information on red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, Including 5-part differential, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils.
Why get a Full Blood Count blood test?
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. This blood test is done for variety of reasons. This test provides information about your blood and your overall health. CBC helps doctors diagnose, monitor and screen different range of diseases, infections, and variety of disorders, such as anemia or leukemia.
Your doctor may recommend a complete blood count as part of a routine medical examination to monitor your general health.
What does the test measure?
White Blood Cell Count
- The WBC (white blood cell) count is a common test within a health assessment and is a measure of your body’s ability to fight infection.
- A low white blood cell count usually means your body is not making enough white blood cells. It can increase your risk of getting infections.
Signes of an infection includes:
- a high temperature
- chills and shivering
- sore throat
- mouth sores that keep returning
- toothache
- skin rashes
- tiredness
- flu-like symptoms
Common causes include:
- cancer treatment, like radiotherapy
- antipsychotic medicines
- medicine for an overactive thyroid
- some cancers, like leukaemia
- infections such as HIV or hepatitis
- autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis
A normal WBC level can be interpreted as a sign that the first line of defense against invasion by bacteria or other disease-causing organisms is intact and functioning.
High levels of white blood cell count, also known as leukocytosis, can indicate a range of conditions including infections, inflammation, bodily injury and immune system disorders.
The following conditions can cause white blood cell counts to be high:
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Inflammation
- Excessive physical or emotional stress (such as fever, injury, or surgery)
- Burns
- Immune system disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid problems
- Certain medicines, including lithium, corticosteroids, and beta agonists
- Smoking
- Obesity
More serious conditions that may cause high white blood cell counts include blood disorders, including:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Bone marrow disorders such as polycythemia vera or myelofibrosis
Red Blood Cell Count
The RBC (red blood cell) count is the number of red blood cells present. It can vary, and a marginally low or high health screening reading may not imply a problem. Red blood cells contain a substance called hemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body. The amount of oxygen that is delivered to your body’s tissues depends on the number of red blood cells you have and how well they work. Women usually have a lower RBC count than men, and the level of red blood cells tends to decrease with age.
The results of an RBC count can be used to diagnose blood-related conditions, such as iron deficiency anaemia. A low RBC count could indicate a vitamin B6, B12 or folate deficiency. It may also signify internal bleeding, kidney disease or malnutrition.
A high RBC count could be caused by several health conditions or health-related factors, including:
- smoking
- congenital heart disease
- dehydration
- low blood oxygen levels
- pulmonary fibrosis
How long do blood test results take?
The target turnaround time for Full Blood Count results is 1-2 working days of receiving in the laboratory.
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