26/11/2025
💉 WHAT IS A COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC) ALSO KNOWN AS FULL HEMOGRAM(FHG)— YOUR FIRST STEP TO UNDERSTANDING YOUR HEALTH
Ever gone to the hospital and the doctor tells you, “Let’s start with a CBC”?
You nod… but deep down you’re like, “Eh, what exactly are they checking in my blood?” 😅
Let me break it down in a simple and interesting way👇
✨ What is a CBC/FHG?
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most common and important blood tests.
Think of it as a “health snapshot" that shows how your blood cells are doing — the red cells, white cells, and platelets.
It helps your doctor understand what’s happening in your body even before symptoms appear.
🩸 CBC checks three major things:
1️⃣ Red Blood Cells (RBCs) – Your Oxygen Transporters
These are the tiny soldiers that carry oxygen to all parts of your body.
A CBC can show:
* Low RBC/Hemoglobin: You may be anemic (tiredness, dizziness, pale skin).
* High RBC: Could be due to dehydration or other medical conditions.
2️⃣ White Blood Cells (WBCs) – Your Body’s Defence Team
These cells protect you from infections.
A CBC can show:
* High WBCs: Your body may be fighting infections (like malaria, pneumonia, UTIs, etc.).
* Low WBCs: Weak immunity or certain medical conditions.
3️⃣ Platelets – Your Blood Clotting Helpers
They stop bleeding when you get injured.
A CBC can show:
* Low platelets: You may bleed easily (seen in dengue, some viral infections, etc.).
* High platelets —Could indicate inflammation or other conditions.
🧠 Why is the CBC so important?
Because it helps detect:
✔️ Infections
✔️ Anemia
✔️ Allergic reactions
✔️ Blood cancers
✔️ Immune system problems
✔️ Effects of long-term illnesses
✔️ Nutritional deficiencies
Sometimes a doctor can diagnose up to *70%* of common conditions with help of a CBC.
📌 When should you get a CBC?
You may need a CBC when you experience:
* Persistent fatigue
* Frequent infections
* Unexplained fever
* Body weakness
* Bleeding or bruising easily
* Before surgerie
