When it comes to understanding your health, there's a simple but powerful tool known as the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. This routine blood test can help doctors identify and monitor a range of medical conditions. Imagine the CBC test as a snapshot of your blood that helps doctors understand what's going on inside your body. It mainly looks at three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is advisable to have a CBC test as a part of routine health checkups because it can detect some conditions early on which can help in early diagnosis and timely treatment. However, it is essential to know what medical conditions can be diagnosed with this test.
This article will break down some medical conditions that a CBC test can reveal.
Anaemia
If your CBC results show that you have low levels of red blood cells or haemoglobin, you might have anaemia. Anaemia can leave you feeling tired and weak. It's like your body is running on low battery. The CBC test helps doctors figure out how severe your anaemia is and what kind you have, so they can give you the right treatment.
Infections
When your body fights off infections, it sends more white blood cells into the battle. The CBC test looks at different types of white blood cells, like neutrophils and lymphocytes. If these are elevated, it's a sign that your body is working hard to fend off an infection. It's like having extra soldiers on the front lines. A doctor can order some other tests to know the exact cause of infections in the body.
Bleeding disorders
Some people have trouble with bleeding because their blood doesn't clot properly. The CBC test checks your platelet levels, which are like the clotting crew in your blood. Low platelets can be a sign of a bleeding disorder, which might explain why you bruise easily or bleed too much from small cuts.
Blood cancers like Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a tricky blood cancer that can hide in your bone marrow and blood cells. The CBC test can raise suspicions if your white blood cell count is unusually high. But remember, this test alone can't confirm leukaemia. A healthcare professional will order some more tests to be sure of leukaemia. CBC test can not only detect leukaemia but also other blood cancers.
Polycythemia
Sometimes, your body goes into overdrive and produces too many red blood cells. The CBC test can spot this by checking your red blood cell count and hematocrit levels. High values might signal a condition called polycythemia. However, this is just the beginning of the puzzle. Doctors will investigate further to figure out why this is happening.
A CBC test is not a very expensive test. If you get this test done at a reputable diagnostic centre, you will see that the price of a CBC test is quite affordable. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are crucial. They'll use tests like the CBC to keep you healthy and catch any issues early. This helps them to recommend an effective treatment plan for your condition.