A complete Blood count test (CBC) is a simple blood test ordered by your doctor or physician as a part of a routine health check-up. The article below covers all the important topics of complete blood count tests like CBC test cost, procedure, preparation, normal levels of blood cells, and how to get tested for a complete blood count test.
- The Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test cost.
- What is a CBC test?
- What does the CBC test measure?
- Normal levels of blood cells.
- How is the complete blood count test performed?
- Is there any preparation required before the test?
- Are there any risks in the complete blood count test?
- What does the CBC test result mean?
- Providers locations.
For our readers, who are more interested in knowing the complete blood count test cost (CBC test cost) beforehand, we begin with that section.
How much does the Complete Blood Count test cost?
The cost of the CBC test ranges between $28 and $39 in different labs and facilities across the U.S. No prior appointment is required. Compare the price, order your test online and visit the nearest lab during lab business hours. Complete the procedure and get the results in your email in 2 to 3 business days. Doctor consultation is also available for further treatment or for any kind of medical advice.
The following table shows the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test cost at of our partner laboratories (CLIA – Certified) network located across the U.S.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online |
HealthLabs
| Offer Price$28 |
Cost of CBC test cost with insurance
Many health insurance policies in the U.S. cover the cost of the complete blood count test when it is done once or twice a year. If your physician recommends you to take the Complete Blood Count test more than twice a year, you may have to pay the medical bill out of pocket. Also, the coverage offered by private health insurance policies and national health insurance programs varies widely. So we recommend you to check with your insurance company.
Our CBC testing providers do not accept any health insurance. But, on request, they can provide you with a receipt containing all the details like the name and code of the test, and CPT code which is necessary for insurance reimbursement purposes.
What is a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test?
A complete blood count (CBC) test is a blood test done to rule out any issues with overall health and to measure the count of cells that make up your blood. The CBC test also measures the chemicals and other substances to evaluate the overall health of the body.
Why is a CBC done?
Your physician may order a Complete Blood Count Test in the case of the following conditions.
- As a part of a routine check-up
- Check for anemia or other disorders
- To diagnose a medical condition if you experience some symptoms like weakness, fatigue, fever, swelling, bruising, or bleeding.
- To monitor a medical condition and the medical treatment
What does the CBC test measure?
A Complete Blood Count test measures the following cells that make up the blood.
1. White blood cells
White blood cells (WBCs) help our body to fight against infection. High levels of WBCs indicate you might have inflammation whereas low levels indicate you are at a risk for infection.
2. Red blood cells
Red blood cells (RBCs) are very important as they deliver oxygen throughout the body. If the red blood cell count is lower than normal, then you may have anemia.
3. Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein present in the blood which carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.
4. Hematocrit
Hematocrit value gives information about how much blood is comprised of red blood cells. A low score indicates you are lacking iron and a high score indicates you are dehydrated or may suffer from another condition.
5. Mean corpuscular volume
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) represents the average size of red blood cells. When the size is bigger than normal, you may have low vitamin B12 or folate levels. If RBCs are smaller in size, you could have a type of anemia.
6. Platelets
Platelets are very important as they are necessary for blood clotting. The CBC test also measures the number of platelets in your blood.
7. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) levels show the average amount of hemoglobin present in each red blood cell. Low MCH levels indicate the presence of iron deficiency anemia whereas high MCH levels indicate the presence of anemia caused due to deficiency of vitamin B-12.
8. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) level shows the average concentration of hemoglobin inside each red blood cell.
9. Red cell distribution width (RDW)
10. Reticulocyte count
Immature red blood cells are called reticulocytes. Reticulocyte count shows whether the bone marrow is producing enough red blood cells.
11. Mean platelet volume
Mean platelet volume (MPV) measures the average size of platelets present in the blood.
12. WBC Differential
The white blood cell differential indicates the percentage of each type of white blood cell present in the blood. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils are the different types of white blood cells present in the blood.
Normal levels of blood cells
The normal level of blood cells for both men and women are given below:
How is the CBC test performed?
As the name suggests, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a simple blood test. During this test, a lab technician or a phlebotomist will cleanse the skin with an antiseptic and place an elastic band around the upper arm so that the vein becomes visible and swells with blood. He/she then injects a needle and draws a sample of blood in a test tube. After the blood is drawn, he covers the injected area with a band-aid to stop bleeding. The typical blood specimen is then sent to the lab for analysis.
It takes less than 10 minutes to perform this test.
Is there any preparation required before the test?
There is no special preparation required for the Complete Blood Count test. But if the blood sample is going to be used for other tests, you may have to fast for a certain period. Your concerned physician will give you specific instructions on diet.
Are there any risks in the CBC test?
There is no possible risk or complication in taking the CBC test. You might have slight pain or bruise in the injected area for a very little period.
What does the CBC test result mean?
The CBC test is not a definitive diagnostic test. So some follow-up tests are required based on the test results and the reason your physician recommended this test. The following are the conditions that cause abnormal CBC and may require additional tests.
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin and mineral deficiency
- Bleeding disorders
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Problems in the bone marrow
- Inflammation or infection
- Cancer
Providers Locations
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test can be done in any of the following locations across the U.S. by visiting the nearest lab.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
Our testing partners are not covered by insurance generally. They are private, direct-to-customer testing services that are generally used by people who have no coverage, very high deductible, or not enough coverage to cover the cost of testing.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultations who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
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