Test Details & Preparation

• The complete blood count (CBC) is often used as a broad screening test to diagnose different health conditions such as anaemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorder or leukaemia.


• A complete blood count (CBC) is a panel of tests that evaluates the three types of cells that circulate in the blood i.e. white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.


• A complete blood count (CBC) is performed as a part of a routine health examination.


• A complete blood count (CBC) may be ordered when a person has any number of symptoms that may be related to disorders that affect blood cells. When an individual has fatigue or weakness or has an infection, inflammation, bruising, or bleeding, a health practitioner may order a CBC to help diagnose the cause or determine its severity.


• A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm or from a finger-stick (for children and adults) or heel-stick (for infants).


• No test preparation is required for a complete blood count (CBC).


• A doctor normally evaluates and interprets results from the components of the complete blood count (CBC) together. Depending on the purpose of the test, a number of additional or follow-up tests may be ordered for further evaluation.