Even if you feel healthy, it’s a good idea to book a CBC test at least once a year as part of your routine medical check-up. This simple test provides valuable insights into your blood health and can help catch conditions like anaemia, infections, or other abnormalities before they worsen.
Blood tests are an excellent way for healthcare providers to assess your overall health. They play a key role in diagnosing various diseases and medical conditions and are vital for early detection. One of the most essential tests to undergo regularly is the complete blood count (CBC) test. Keep reading to find out how often you should book CBC test and what the test involves.
What is a CBC Test?
The complete blood count is a test that assesses various components and characteristics of your blood, such as:
• Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
• White Blood Cells (WBCs): These cells defend the body against infections and diseases. A CBC test measures the total count of white blood cells, while a CBC with a differential provides a breakdown of the five main types of white blood cells.
• Platelets: They help stop bleeding by assisting in blood clotting.
• Haemoglobin: It is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body.
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): This assesses the average size of your red blood cells.
• Haematocrit: This measures the proportion of blood made up of your red blood cells.
When is a CBC Test Performed?
Complete blood count is performed for several purposes, including:
• Assess Overall Health: It is often included in routine exams to evaluate general health and detect conditions like anaemia or leukaemia.
• Diagnose Medical Conditions: CBC helps identify the cause of symptoms like weakness, fatigue, fever, swelling, pain, bruising, or bleeding.
• Monitor Existing Conditions: It is used to track health conditions that impact blood cell counts.
• Evaluate Medical Treatments: CBC helps monitor the effects of treatments, such as medications or radiation, that may alter blood cell counts.
How Often Should You Get a CBC Test Done?
It’s a good practice to include a complete blood count test in your annual physical check-up, even if you’re in good health. This test helps detect blood abnormalities that could indicate underlying conditions like anaemia or infections, which may not present noticeable symptoms. Book CBC test at least once every year for early detection and timely treatment of any health issues.
Normal CBC Test Results
Here are the typical CBC results for adults, measured in grams per decilitre (grams/dL) or cells per litre (cells/L):
1. Red Blood Cell Count:
• Male: 4.35 to 5.65 trillion cells/L
• Female: 3.92 to 5.13 trillion cells/L
2. Haematocrit:
• Male: 38.3% to 48.6%
• Female: 35.5% to 44.9%
3. Haemoglobin:
• Male: 13.2 to 16.6 grams/dL (132 to 166 grams/L)
• Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL (116 to 150 grams/L)
4. White Blood Cell Count: 3.4 billion to 9.6 billion cells/L
5. Platelet Count:
• Male: 135 to 317 billion/L
• Female: 157 to 371 billion/L
What Do CBC Test Results Mean?
Results outside the typical ranges on a CBC test can indicate potential health issues:
• Red Blood Cell Count, Haematocrit and Haemoglobin: These three are interconnected as they measure different aspects of red blood cells. Low levels in these areas suggest anaemia, which can result from blood loss, vitamin or iron deficiencies, or other conditions. Anaemia can cause fatigue or weakness. High levels indicate erythrocytosis, which may point to conditions like blood cancer or heart diseases.
• White Blood Cell Count: A low WBC count is called leukopenia and may result from cancer, bone marrow issues, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications. A high WBC count often indicates infection or inflammation but could also signal immune system disorders or bone marrow diseases.
• Platelet Count: A low platelet count is thrombocytopenia, while high levels are known as thrombocytosis. Both could suggest an underlying medical condition or be a side effect of medication, leading to further testing for diagnosis.
Conclusion
Regular blood tests, especially the complete blood count, play a vital role in maintaining your overall health. A CBC test can help identify potential issues like infections, anaemia, or other conditions before they become severe. Even if you’re in good health, it’s recommended to book CBC test annually as part of your routine check-up. This proactive approach can lead to early detection and timely treatment, ensuring that any underlying health issue is addressed promptly. Stay informed and take charge of your health by scheduling your CBC test today.
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