Complete Blood Count Test

A complete blood count, or CBC, is an easy and very common test that screens for certain disorders that can affect your health. A CBC determines if there are any increases or decreases in your blood cell counts. Normal values vary depending on your age and your gender. Your lab report will tell you the normal value range for your age and gender. A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including:

It is recommended that you should either wear a sleeve-less or a short-sleeved shirt to make it easier for you and the technician who will be drawing the blood. Wearing a shirt with full- sleeves that can easily be rolled-up is also fine. There is no need to disturb your diet routine before a CBC test. You can eat and drink normally, provided the CBC test is the only test you are going to undergo.

You might get a CBC as part of your yearly check-up. Your doctor might also order it to: Check for anemia or leukemia See if you have another health issue or to explain symptoms like weakness, fever, bruising, or feeling tired Keep an eye on a blood condition you already have See how medications or treatments like chemotherapy are affecting your blood

A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit) A 70% alcohol pad is used to clean the skin A needle is then kept in line with and injected into a vein that can be seen from the skin The blood is dragged out from the needle by a nozzle, saved in a vessel and sealed with your name The sample is then taken to a lab for examination