What Is a CBC Blood Test and Why Do Doctors Order It

A CBC which stands for complete blood count is the most common blood test ordered. It includes info on red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell indices which health care providers use to get a picture of your blood’s make up.

Doctors will order a CBC at annual check ups, for evaluation of symptoms like fatigue or unexpected bruising, also we also see it used in the course of certain diseases and treatments.

For persons in search of a CBC blood test in Dubai it is helpful to know what the test measures, how to prepare for it, and what the results may indicate.

What Is a CBC Blood Test?

A Complete Blood Count, which is what a CBC is, is a blood test that looks at the quantity and quality of different blood cells. You can book lab test at home for a small blood sample taken from your arm, which is then analyzed in a lab.

A CBC commonly provides information about: A large set of information from which includes:

• Red blood cells (RBCs)

• White blood cells (WBCs)

• Platelets

• Hemoglobin

• Hematocrit

• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

Other results from the lab report of the red blood cells indices.

Because we see different functions of these components in the body, what this means is that the results may prove to be a useful tool for doctors as they assess a person’s health.

What Does a Complete Blood Count Test Measure?

If you are questioning what a complete blood count test reports, what we find is that it goes into many different blood cell components which are measured out instead of a single number.

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells are the transporters of oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. A CBC will also measure red blood cell count and report on related measures like hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin which is present in red blood cells is the protein that does so for oxygen. In a CBC report which is a type of blood work we see the hemoglobin measurement which in conjunction with other reports’ results is what doctors use to also note cases of anemia.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is the measurement of the red blood cell volume as a percentage of total blood. As with other CBC tests it requires to be put in the context of the right reference range and the patient’s total clinical picture.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells are in the immune system and they help the body out in case of infection and other health issues. A CBC also looks at the white blood cell count.

Platelets

Platelets play a role in blood clotting. Also of note is the platelet count which is a key element of a CBC and will provide info related to the blood clotting system when looked at in association with other reports.

Red Blood Cell Indices

A CBC also reports on red cell size and composition which in turn is very useful to the doctor as they look into what may be the type of anemia a patient has.

What Is a CBC With a Differential?

A full blood count which also breaks it down into different types of white blood cells.

Instead of reporting total WBC count what we do is to look at the various white blood cell types which include:

• Neutrophils

• Lymphocytes

• Monocytes

• Eosinophils

• Basophils

These immune cells have various functions which is why their individual counts and percentages may provide health care providers with more information.

A doctor orders up a CBC with differential when there is a need for more in depth white blood cell info.

Why Do Doctors Order a CBC Test?

A CBC is ordered for many reasons. It is a common component of the routine health assessment and also helps doctors in the diagnosis of symptoms or in the monitoring of an existing condition.

A doctor may suggest a CBC for symptoms like:

• Unusual tiredness or weakness

• Fever

• Unexplained bruising

• Unusual bleeding

• Other symptoms that require further investigation

CBC (complete blood count) also may be used as a tool to monitor for certain blood disorders, infections, immune related conditions, and the results of some treatments.

However also a CBC report on its own doesn’t confirm a diagnosis. Doctors look at the results in combination with symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and also may do other tests as required.

Understanding the CBC Normal Range

When you look up your test results you may see the phrase CBC normal range. Also there is no single range that applies to all people.

Reference values do to some extent vary by:

• Age

• Sex and hormonal status

• Pregnancy

• Laboratory methods

• Units used for reporting

• Certain health conditions

For that which is true, it is best to compare your results with what is presented in your own laboratory report instead of an online range.

An out of range result does not necessarily mean you have a disease. This should be interpreted in the context by your health care provider.

What Can Abnormal CBC Results Mean?

A CBC may present results which are out of the lab’s normal range.

For instance, we see that red blood cell changes may present in anemia or with signs of dehydration; also white blood cell counts may change in response to infection, inflammation, medications, and a wide range of health issues. Also it is known that platelet issues may be a result of many different causes.

Patients should steer clear of self diagnosis which is based on a single CBC number.

If your results are out of the reference range please contact your doctor. Also at times we may run more tests to determine what caused the change.

Do I Need to Fast Before a CBC Blood Test?

Which of the most asked questions is do I have to fast before a CBC blood test?

Usually a CBC by itself does not require special preparation or fasting. You may eat and drink as usual unless your health care provider has given you other instructions.

Also if your doctor has included other blood tests in the panel you may have to prepare in a different way.

Healthcare providers and lab specific instructions must be followed.

What Happens During a CBC Test?

A simple blood test.

During which a health care professional usually:

1. Sanitizes the collection area.

2. Put a small needle in a vein.

3. Draws off a little blood into a tube.

4. Remove the needle.

5. Place a dressing over the collection site.

6. Sends samples to the lab for analysis.

The blood work is usually quick, just a few minutes. Some people may have a small sting, mild pain at the site, bruising, or feel light headed after.

CBC Blood Test Dubai: When Might You Need One?

People in search of full blood count in Dubai may do so as a part of a routine health check up or because their health care provider has put forth that recommendation.

A CBC is a tool which doctors use for info on blood cell counts or to look into symptoms. Also they use it to monitor some health issues over time.

If you have been advised to get tested, find a health care provider or lab that does that properly.

How Much Does a CBC Test Cost in Dubai?

CBC test costs in Dubai for patients to pay may vary based on the health care provider, which in turn may be different at the local lab as against at home collection, if it includes differential or if additional tests are ordered.

For the same reason in some cases the cost of a CBC blood test in Dubai may vary between providers and packages.

Instead of going by price alone which service to choose, go into what is included in the test, does it include sample collection, how are results given to you out of the report and most importantly if there is a doctor to explain the results when you have questions.

If you are to compare what the Dubai health care providers are offering in terms of complete blood count test prices, verify the present price before you book because health care service costs do.

Can You Book a Same-Day CBC Test in Dubai?

If you require quick results, we have CBC in Dubai.

Availability is at the discretion of the provider, location, appointment schedule, sample collection methods and laboratory processing time. Before you book, confirm the sample collection time and when you will receive your results.

For people with busy lives home sample collection is also a choice which is available.

How to Book a CBC Blood Test in Dubai

If it is recommended that you get a CBC you can schedule a Dubai based CBC blood test by which you will have to contact a proper health care provider and arrange:

• Test availability

• Price

• Sample collection location

• Home collection availability

• Whether a doctor's referral is required

• Expected result time

• Whether CBC with differential is included

• Result delivery method

At Siza Health Care you get to choose from our range of health care services which best meet your health care needs and we have the available slots for your confirmed appointment.

Affordable CBC Test Dubai: What Should You Check?

In Dubai when it comes to choosing a CBC test affordable options are a priority which is natural but price should not be the only factor.

Before choosing a provider, check: 

• What the quoted price includes

• Whether sample collection is included

• Whether the test is performed at a proper lab of.

• How results are delivered

• Whether additional charges apply

• Whether home collection is available

• Expected turnaround time

A perfect grasp of the service will see you choose between providers more easily.

Home Blood Testing in Dubai

For people that do not get out to the lab easily we have at home collection of samples if that is an option.

A healthcare provider may go to the patient’s choice of setting, collect the required sample, and also arrange laboratory analysis as per the offered service.

This is especially true for people with busy schedules, families, older adults, or anyone which prefers home testing.

If you require help with home based testing, we have professional lab services on call which you may hire through a health care provider.

In terms of greater medical support our patients also have the option to book Siza professional doctors when a doctor’s visit is right for their issue.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor About Your CBC Results?

You should go over your CBC results with a health care provider if your report has out of range values or if you have symptoms which worry you.

A doctor will go over the full report of results which may include more than one number. Based on your symptoms and what we see in the reports, they may have you do the test again or get further evaluations.

A CBC is a useful diagnostic tool but is only a piece of a larger medical evaluation.

CBC Test vs CBC With Differential

A doctor chooses which test is right according to the reason for the test and the info it will provide.

Key Things to Know Before a CBC Blood Test

Before your appointment, remember these points: Before your visit, note the following:

• A routine CBC does not require fasting.

• Follow out of the ordinary instructions that may apply if other blood tests are to be done.

• If you bring in your past medical history as requested by your health care provider.

• Report to your doctor any of your current medicines or health issues.

• When looking at the results which of the ranges your lab provides to use.

• Do not base a diagnosis on a single abnormal result.

• Ask your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your report.

Final Thoughts

A simple and very common test which reports on red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit and related measures.

During a routine check up, while investigating symptoms, or while we are monitoring an existing health issue a full blood count test can go a long way in terms of preparation.

In Dubai for health and lab services try out Siza Health Care. Before you book, check the present test range, price, collection options and turn around time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CBC blood test?

A full blood count, which is what a CBC is, measures out different elements of the blood including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit as well as related blood cell parameters.

What does a complete blood count test measure?

It reports on red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell indices which are MCV.

Do I need to fast before a CBC blood test?

Usually for most cases no. A CBC by itself does not require fasting. What it does is that at the same time other blood tests may require it or some other preparation, so be sure to follow the health care provider’s instructions.

How much does a CBC test cost in Dubai?

The price will vary at different health care providers and also goes up for certain tests like differential or out home sample collection. Call to confirm your  and what is covered prior to the book.

What is the CBC normal range?

There isn’t one set normal range for all people. What you see may differ by lab and also based on age, sex, pregnancy, and other health issues. Always refer to the range reported by your own lab.

What is a CBC with differential?

A CBC which includes a differential report on the basic CBC measures also presents info on various white blood cell types which include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Can I get a same-day CBC test in Dubai?

Same day availability is at the discretion of the health care provider, lab schedule, location and type of sample collection. We recommend that you call the provider first to confirm availability and expected result time before you book.