A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests performed to check your health. It provides insights into the different components of blood, like red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and haemoglobin levels. Know how to interpret the results of a CBC test below.
Interpretation of the Results of a CBC Test
You can analyse the results of a CBC test by checking the following components.
1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. A low RBC count may indicate anaemia, which can be caused by several factors, such as nutritional deficiencies (like iron, B12, or folate), chronic diseases, or blood loss. On the other hand, a high RBC count may suggest dehydration, lung disease, or heart disease.
2. Haemoglobin (Hb): Haemoglobin is a protein in RBCs that binds to oxygen and helps transport it through the body. The haemoglobin level is often measured with RBC count. Low haemoglobin levels can signal anaemia and high levels may be seen in cases of dehydration or living at high altitudes.
3. Hematocrit (Hct): Hematocrit refers to the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells. It is often reported as a percentage. Like RBC count and hemoglobin, low hematocrit levels are seen in cases of anemia, while high hematocrit levels can point to dehydration or certain blood disorders.
4. White Blood Cells (WBCs): White blood cells are part of the body’s immune system, defending against infections and foreign substances. An elevated WBC count often indicates an infection, inflammation, or, in more severe cases, a blood disorder like leukaemia. A low WBC count could make you more susceptible to infections and may be due to bone marrow problems, viral infections, or certain medications.
5. Platelets (PLT): Platelets play a key role in blood clotting and wound healing. A low platelet count can result in excess bleeding, while a high platelet count may increase the risk of blood clot formation. Low platelet counts are commonly seen in conditions such as viral infections, liver disease, or bone marrow disorders. High platelet counts can occur in cases of chronic inflammation or iron deficiency anaemia.
6. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): It measures the average size of the red blood cells. It is an important indicator when diagnosing the cause of anaemia. A low MCV suggests microcytic anemia (iron deficiency), while a high MCV indicates macrocytic anemia (vitamin B12 or folate deficiency).
7. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): MCH measures the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell, while, on the other hand, MCHC measures the concentration of hemoglobin in a volume of red cells. Low levels of both may indicate anemia and high levels can denote a more rare disorder such as hereditary spherocytosis.
Conclusion
Interpreting the results requires an understanding of how various blood components work together to maintain your health. You can consult our doctors at our pathology lab in Mukundapur to discuss your CBC results in detail and understand what they mean for your specific health situation.