If you have ever visited a doctor for a routine checkup or felt unwell, chances are you have been asked to get a CBC test. A Complete Blood Count is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests worldwide — and for good reason. It provides a snapshot of your overall health and can help detect a wide range of conditions, from infections to anaemia to blood disorders.

What Does a CBC Measure?

A CBC measures several key components of your blood:

  • Red Blood Cells (RBC): These carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. A low RBC count can indicate anaemia, which is extremely common in Nepal — particularly among women and children.
  • White Blood Cells (WBC): These are your immune system's soldiers. A high WBC count often signals an infection or inflammation, while a very low count may suggest a weakened immune system.
  • Haemoglobin (Hb): This is the protein inside red blood cells that actually carries the oxygen. Low haemoglobin is the primary marker for anaemia.
  • Platelets: These help your blood clot when you get a cut or injury. Abnormal platelet counts can indicate bleeding disorders or conditions like dengue fever.
  • Haematocrit (HCT): This measures the percentage of your blood that is made up of red blood cells.

What Are Normal CBC Ranges?

Normal ranges can vary slightly between laboratories, but general reference values include:

  • Haemoglobin: 13–17 g/dL for men, 12–15 g/dL for women
  • WBC: 4,000–11,000 cells per microlitre
  • Platelets: 150,000–400,000 per microlitre
  • RBC: 4.5–5.5 million per microlitre (men), 4.0–5.0 million (women)

Your doctor will interpret these numbers in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

When Should You Get a CBC?

Doctors commonly order a CBC when you have:

  • Persistent fatigue or weakness
  • Unexplained fever or infection
  • Bruising or bleeding that does not stop easily
  • A routine health checkup
  • Monitoring of an ongoing condition

In Nepal, where iron-deficiency anaemia affects a significant portion of the population — especially in rural areas — a CBC is often one of the first tests recommended.

What Conditions Can a CBC Detect?

A CBC can help identify or monitor:

  • Anaemia — low red blood cells or haemoglobin
  • Infections — bacterial, viral, or parasitic
  • Leukaemia and other blood cancers
  • Dengue fever — identified by a sudden drop in platelets
  • Nutritional deficiencies — iron, vitamin B12, or folate
Key Takeaway: A CBC is a simple, affordable test that reveals a lot about your health. If you are experiencing fatigue, frequent infections, or unexplained bruising, a CBC is a good place to start.

At Peoples Diagnostics, we offer CBC testing with same-day results. Walk in any day between 7 AM and 8 PM, or book an appointment online. For enquiries, call us at 01-4891152.