What Is a CBC Blood Test?
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) which is also known as a CBC is one of the common blood tests that doctors use. It is also very important, for people who're sick or hurt. It measures the three main types of cells in your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets — along with several sub-parameters for each.
Because blood circulates through every organ in your body, the CBC gives doctors a snapshot of your overall health from a single blood draw. It is used to detect anaemia, infections, clotting problems, blood cancers and chronic diseases — often before symptoms appear.
A CBC is fast, affordable, requires no fasting and can be collected at home in Nashik in under 5 minutes by Medola's trained phlebotomist.
What Does a CBC Test Measure?
The CBC covers 16–25 parameters across four main cell groups. Here is what each measures and what it can detect:
| Parameter | Cell Type | What It Detects |
|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (Hb) | RBC | Anaemia, blood loss, iron or B12 deficiency |
| RBC Count | RBC | Anaemia, polycythaemia, kidney disease |
| Haematocrit (PCV) | RBC | Proportion of red cells — dehydration, anaemia |
| MCV | RBC | Type of anaemia — iron, B12 or folate |
| MCH | RBC | Average haemoglobin per red cell |
| MCHC | RBC | Haemoglobin concentration in red cells |
| RDW | RBC | Variation in red cell size — nutritional gaps |
| WBC Total Count | WBC | Infection, immune disorders, blood cancers |
| Neutrophils | WBC | Bacterial infections, inflammation |
| Lymphocytes | WBC | Viral infections, immune conditions |
| Eosinophils | WBC | Allergies, parasitic infections — common in India |
| Monocytes | WBC | Chronic inflammation, tuberculosis |
| Basophils | WBC | Allergic reactions, bone marrow conditions |
| Platelet Count | Platelet | Dengue, bleeding disorders, ITP |
| MPV | Platelet | Platelet size and function, clotting ability |
| Reticulocyte Count | Other | Bone marrow activity and blood cell production |
Normal CBC Values — Reference Range
The reference ranges below are based on standard clinical guidelines. Values may vary slightly between laboratories. Always consult your doctor to understand what the results mean for you considering the symptoms you have and your medical history. Your doctor is the person to talk to, about your symptoms and history so it is a good idea to consult with them about the results.
| Parameter | Normal Range — Male | Normal Range — Female | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin | 13.5 – 17.5 | 12.0 – 15.5 | g/dL |
| RBC Count | 4.5 – 5.9 | 4.1 – 5.1 | million/µL |
| WBC Count | 4,000 – 11,000 | /µL | |
| Platelet Count | 1,50,000 – 4,00,000 | /µL | |
| Haematocrit (PCV) | 41 – 53% | 36 – 46% | % |
| MCV | 80 – 100 | fL | |
| MCH | 27 – 33 | pg | |
| Neutrophils | 50 – 70% | % | |
| Lymphocytes | 20 – 40% | % | |
| Eosinophils | 1 – 6% | % | |
Values may vary between NABL-certified labs. Always discuss your results with your treating doctor.
Who Should Get a CBC Test at Home in Nashik?
Anyone who feels tired all the time or feels weak or dizzy for no reason should get this test — These are signs of anaemia.
If you have a fever or feel cold or think you have an infection you should get a CBC test. This test checks your blood cell count to see what kind of infection you have.
If you have symptoms of dengue or malaria you should get this test. When you have dengue your platelet count goes down fast.
Women who bleed a lot during their periods should get this test to check for iron-deficiency anaemia.
Pregnant women should get this test to check their haemoglobin and platelet count every trimester. li>
People who are getting chemotherapy or taking medicines that affect their blood cell count for a time should get this test.
Children who get infections again and again should get this test This could mean they have an immune system.
Adults above 35 for annual preventive health screening
Diabetics and hypertension patients for routine baseline monitoring
Pre-surgery patients requiring blood count clearance from their surgeon
How to Prepare for a CBC Test
No fasting required — eat and drink normally before the test
Continue all regular medicines as prescribed — do not skip doses
Inform the phlebotomist if you are on blood thinners or anticoagulants
Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours before — it can temporarily raise WBC counts
The blood draw is a simple venous sample from your arm — takes under 5 minutes at home
