15 Sep What is a CBC Blood Test, and Can You Get it at Home?

This article will explain what a CBC test is, how getting this test can benefit you, when and why you should get a CBC test, and compare a DIY test vs. a test from an in-home medical service.

What is a CBC test?

A complete blood count (CBC) is a type of blood test that checks your overall health and detects many disorders, such as leukemia, infection, and anemia.

A CBC test measures several substances in your blood:

• Hemoglobin (a protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body)
• Hematocrit (measures the proportion of red blood cells to the plasma fluid in your blood)
• Platelets (necessary for your blood to clot)
• Red blood cells (necessary to transport oxygen throughout your body)
• White blood cells (necessary to fight infections)

Suppose a CBC shows that you have unusually high or low measurements of the above. In that case, it could mean that you have an undiagnosed medical condition that needs further investigation and/or treatment.

If you have low levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cells, this indicates anemia.

If you have high levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cells, this indicates heart disease, polycythemia vera, or another underlying condition.

If you have low levels of white blood cells, it could be due to an autoimmune disorder, bone marrow problems, or cancer. However, don’t be alarmed – some medications can also cause a low white blood cell count.

If you have high levels of white blood cells, it could be caused by bone marrow disease, an immune system disorder, an infection, inflammation, or a reaction to a medication.

If you have low or high levels of platelets, it could be a sign of a medical condition or a side effect of certain medication. Whether you have a low or high platelet count, your doctor will most likely order more tests to determine the specific cause of the abnormal platelet count.

What are the benefits of a CBC?

A CBC can determine if you have any undiagnosed health problems. It can also be used to check your overall health, monitor your condition if you have already been diagnosed with a blood disorder, or see how your body reacts to medications that might affect your blood cell count.

When and why to get a CBC test?

A CBC test may be included as part of your routine doctor exams.

Additionally, your doctor is likely to order a CBC for you if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Inflammation

You may need a CBC if you already know you have a blood disorder because this test can be used to check the progression of the disease.

Finally, a CBC can be used to see how certain medications affect your blood cell counts.

DIY test vs. in-home medical service

You can do a DIY (do-it-yourself) CBC test at Home or have a medical professional come to your home to administer the CBC for you.

Many DIY tests go to a lab that determines the results and notifies you of the results but does not follow up with any next steps you may need to take. However, if you choose to have a CBC test done by a Concierge MD professional at your Home, we will send the blood sample to our lab. When the results are ready, we will follow up with you to explain your results in detail and recommend any additional tests or treatments you may need.

• Concierge Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine
• Why a House Call Doctor is Right for You
• The Future of Medicine is On-Demand and Personal with Physician House Calls
• What Type Of Prescriptions Are Available From A House Call Doctor?
• Can Home Doctors Prescribe Allergy Meds?
• Does Insurance Cover House Call Visits?
• Six Reasons Concierge Urgent Care is Perfect for Families
• What Are The Benefits Of A House Call Doctor For The Elderly?
• Can You Save Money With House Call Doctors?