CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Counts your red cells, white cells and platelets. It is the most common blood test in India.
Also called: Complete blood count, CBC with ESR, hemogram
What is it?
A CBC counts the cells in your blood. Red cells and haemoglobin carry oxygen, white cells fight infection, and platelets help blood to clot. Doctors use it to look for anaemia, infection, and some bleeding problems.
How to prepare
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink water as usual. Fasting is only needed if other tests booked with it ask for it.
Report time: Usually the same day (a few hours to 24 hours).
Usual numbers
| Measure | Typical adult range |
|---|---|
| Haemoglobin, adult men | about 13.0 to 17.0 g/dL |
| Haemoglobin, adult women | about 12.0 to 15.0 g/dL |
| White blood cells | about 4,000 to 11,000 per microlitre |
| Platelets | about 150,000 to 450,000 per microlitre |
What labs charge
| Lab | Price | City | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata 1mg Labs | ₹349 | Page shows Gurgaon; city not confirmed | 1mg.com lab packages page | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Dr Lal PathLabs | ₹350 | Pune (home-collection listing; page header is unclear) | Bajaj Finserv Health listing | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Orange Health | ₹480 | Bangalore (MRP 550) | Orange Health Bangalore page | 13 Nov 2026 |
Questions people ask
Do I need to fast for a CBC?
No. A CBC does not need fasting.
Why is my haemoglobin low?
Common reasons are low iron, low vitamin B12 or folate, blood loss, or long-term illness. Only a doctor can tell which one applies to you.
What is the difference between CBC and CBC with ESR?
CBC with ESR adds the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a general marker that rises with inflammation. It usually costs a little more.