Complete Blood Count

One of the most basic and commonly ordered laboratory tests nowadays in modern medicine is the Complete Blood Count (CBC). If your doctor has ordered this test as part of a routine checkup or ordered it because of a particular symptom, you can be empowered to take charge of your health if you know what this test is and what it is telling you.

What Is a Complete Blood Count Test?

Also known as a Full Blood Count (FBC) in some medical systems, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test  is a broad blood panel which counts and analyzes the three main types of cells found in your blood.

Red Blood Cells (RBC) � carry oxygen to the organs and tissues of the body from the lungs.

White Blood Cells (WBC) � the main immune cells in your body to fight against infections, bacteria and viruses

Platelets (Thrombocytes) - are the small cells that help prevent bleeding and stop it when it occurs at the site of an injury.

All of these cell types are analysed by many parameters, in a detailed CBC test report, up to 25+ sub-parameters, providing a clear picture to your doctor about your overall blood health.

The CBC test is performed regularly to:

• Identify anaemia (low levels of haemoglobin or RBC)
• Determine if there is an infection caused by bacteria or viruses (increase or unusual increase in white blood cells, or leukocytes)
• Identify disorders of clotting (platelet number disorders)
• Blood cancer screening (leukaemia)
• Keep track of chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders
• Assess effectiveness of continuing treatments such as chemotherapy

What Does a Complete Blood Count Include? Key Parameters Explained

A standard complete blood count test covers the following essential parameters:

Red Blood Cell Panel:

• Haemoglobin (Hb) � measures oxygen-carrying capacity
• Haematocrit (HCT/PCV) � percentage of blood volume made up of RBCs
• RBC Count � total number of red cells per microlitre
• MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) � average size of red cells
• MCH & MCHC � haemoglobin content within red cells
• RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) � variation in RBC size

White Blood Cell Panel:

• Total WBC Count
• Differential Count � breaks down WBC types: Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils

Platelet Panel:

• Platelet Count (PLT)
• MPV (Mean Platelet Volume)
• PDW (Platelet Distribution Width)

Together, these markers provide clinicians  and you with a detailed, data-driven snapshot of your blood health.

When Should You Get a Complete Blood Count Test?

Your doctor may recommend a CBC test in several situations:

Symptomatic Indications:

• Persistent fatigue, weakness, or dizziness (possible anaemia)
• Unexplained weight loss or night sweats
• Frequent infections, prolonged fever, or swollen lymph nodes
• Easy bruising, excessive bleeding, or slow-healing wounds
• Paleness, shortness of breath, or a racing heartbeat

Routine & Preventive Screening:

• Annual health check-ups and wellness panels
• Pre-operative assessments before surgery
• Pre-pregnancy and antenatal care monitoring
• Routine monitoring of chronic conditions (diabetes, thyroid disorders)

Treatment Monitoring:

• During chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Monitoring recovery from dengue, malaria, or typhoid
• Evaluating response to iron supplements, B12, or folate therapy

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a first-line test because it is non-invasive, affordable, and provides a wide range of clinically relevant information in a single blood draw.

How Is the CBC Test Performed?

The complete blood count test requires no special preparation in most cases:

• Sample Type: EDTA Whole Blood (collected via a simple venepuncture  a small needle prick in the arm)
• Fasting: Generally not required, though your doctor may advise fasting if other tests are being run simultaneously
• Duration: The collection takes less than 5 minutes
• Report Time: Results are typically ready within 8 hours
• Eligible For: Male and Female patients of all ages, including children and elderly

The blood sample is processed through an automated haematology analyser that counts and characterises each cell type with high precision

Complete Blood Count Test Cost at JDAR Path Lab, Delhi

At JDAR Path Lab, Shanti Niketan, New Delhi, the complete blood count test cost is just ?500 � covering a comprehensive panel of 25+ parameters with results delivered digitally within 8 hours.

Why choose JDAR for your CBC test?

• NABL-Accredited Laboratory � internationally recognised quality standards
• 43+ Years of Diagnostic Excellence � trusted by thousands of patients and leading physicians across Delhi
• Free Home Sample Collection � available across South Delhi including Vasant Vihar, Saket, RK Puram, and Chanakyapuri
• No Fasting Required for a standalone CBC test
• Digital Reports in 8 Hours � accessible online, shareable with your doctor instantly
• Expert Pathologists on-site for result interpretation and guidance