CBC test (Complete Blood Count): what it checks and how to prepare
Medically reviewed by Dr. N. S. Santosh Varma, MBBS, FIM, FIDM, FICCM · Reg. APMC/FMR 112686 · Updated 5 Oct 2026
A CBC (Complete Blood Count) measures the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your blood. It helps doctors check for anaemia, infection, inflammation and some blood disorders. It needs a small blood sample and usually no fasting. In YIRA's checkup it includes 29 parameters, a peripheral smear and ESR.
- SampleBlood
- FastingUsually not needed on its own
- Parameters29 in YIRA's checkup
- WhereHome collection
What the CBC test measures
The CBC in the YIRA checkup reports 29 values, grouped below.
Red blood cells (oxygen carriers)
- Haemoglobin
- R.B.C. Count
- Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
- MCV
- MCH
- MCHC
- RDW-CV
- RDW-SD
White blood cells (infection fighters)
- Total WBC Count (TLC)
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
- Mixed Cells
- Absolute Neutrophils Count
- Absolute Lymphocytes Count
- Absolute Monocytes Count
- Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC)
- Absolute Basophils Count
- Differential Count
Platelets (clotting)
- Platelet Count
- MPV
- PDW
- PCT
- P-LCR
Other
- Haemogram
- Peripheral Smear (P/S) Examination
- E.S.R
Why doctors ask for it
- Tiredness, weakness or looking pale (to check for anaemia)
- Fever or suspected infection
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- As part of a routine yearly checkup
- To monitor some long-term conditions and medicines
How to prepare
- Fasting is usually not needed for a CBC alone. In YIRA's full checkup we combine it with the lipid profile, so our team will tell you if fasting is needed.
- Drink water as normal.
- Tell the collector about any blood-thinning medicines.
Understanding your report
Each value on your report is printed next to the lab's reference range. A value outside the range is marked high or low. One out-of-range value does not always mean a problem: results can change with recent illness, food, medicines or hydration. Your doctor reads the values together with your health history and may repeat the test or ask for more. Every YIRA plan includes a doctor consultation to go through your report.
70-test checkup at home, from ₹999 a year for the family
Essential ₹999 (up to 4 people) · Complete ₹1,299 (up to 8 people, with ₹5 lakh accident cover). Doctor consultation, dental and eye check-ups included. Pay after sample collection.
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required for a CBC test?
Usually no. A CBC on its own does not need fasting. When it is done with a lipid profile, as in YIRA's 70-test checkup, labs usually ask for 10 to 12 hours of fasting. Water is fine.
What does a low haemoglobin mean?
Low haemoglobin can point to anaemia, which has many causes, such as low iron or vitamin levels or blood loss. Only a doctor can tell the cause, often with more tests. Discuss your report in your YIRA doctor consultation.
What is a peripheral smear?
A trained technician looks at a drop of your blood under a microscope to check the size and shape of your blood cells. It adds detail that machine counts alone can miss.
Can I get a CBC test at home in Hyderabad?
Yes. The CBC is part of the 70-test checkup in every YIRA Family Health Plan, with home sample collection across Hyderabad and other cities. Plans start at ₹999 a year for up to 4 people.
Related
Medically reviewed by Dr. N. S. Santosh Varma (MBBS, FIM, FIDM, FICCM; APMC/FMR 112686). Prepared by the YIRA health team · Last updated 1 October 2026. This page is general health information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges differ between labs; always discuss your results with a doctor. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.