Complete Blood Count

Overview:

The complete blood count (CBC) is the most commonly performed laboratory investigation test to evaluate a person’s overall health and also to detect a wide range of disorders such as anaemia, infection or any other blood abnormalities.

When it’s done:

A CBC is performed as a routine health examination or if a person shows any signs or symptoms related to abnormalities of blood cells. This test is performed to assess the presence of infection or any other general diseases that may impact the blood count. It is used to monitor the conditions in patients who have been diagnosed with a blood-related disorder and also to determine the effectiveness of the treatment in patients receiving treatment for blood disorders.

When to Avoid:

There is no specific condition when this test should be avoided.

How to prepare:

There is no special preparation for the test. However, the blood is drawn from a vein in adults or a finger stick or heel stick in new-borns and the sample is sent to the laboratory.