Hemogram
General · Blood
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No lab currently offers this test.
About this test
What is a Hemogram?
A hemogram, also known as a complete blood count (CBC), is a routine blood test that measures several components of your blood to give a snapshot of your overall health.
Key Parameters
| Parameter | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Red Blood Cells (RBC) | Oxygen‑carrying capacity |
| Hemoglobin (Hb) | Blood’s oxygen‑transport protein |
| Hematocrit (Hct) | Proportion of blood that is red cells |
| White Blood Cells (WBC) | Immune system activity |
| Platelets | Blood clotting ability |
| Differential count (neutrophils, lymphocytes, etc.) | Types of white cells and immune status |
Why It Is Done
- Routine health check‑ups
- Investigating symptoms like fatigue, fever, bruising, or infections
- Monitoring chronic conditions such as anemia, infections, or blood disorders
Early Detection
It can help identify signs of conditions such as anemia, infections, or early blood disorders, but it does not diagnose on its own. A doctor interprets the results with your history and other tests.
What Abnormal Results May Indicate
- Low RBC/Hb/Hct – anemia, blood loss, nutritional deficiencies
- High RBC/Hb/Hct – dehydration, polycythemia, lung disease
- Low WBC – infection risk, bone marrow issues
- High WBC – infection, inflammation, leukemia
- Low platelets – bleeding risk, marrow suppression
- High platelets – clotting risk, myeloproliferative disorders
Factors such as hydration, recent meals, medications, and stress can influence results.
Who Should Get It
Adults and children for routine health checks, patients with unexplained fatigue, fever, bleeding, or those on long‑term medication that may affect blood counts.
Quick Takeaway
A hemogram is a quick, informative blood test that helps doctors spot potential health issues early and guide further investigation or treatment.
Used for detecting / monitoring
Before your test
Preparation
- Fasting: No fasting required for a hemogram.
- If combined with fasting tests: Follow the longest fasting period required among the tests.
- Sample collection: A small needle is inserted into a vein (usually in the arm) to draw about 5–10 mL of blood. The process takes a few minutes.
- Discomfort: A brief pinch or sting from the needle; no pain after the needle is removed.
- Precautions: Stay well‑hydrated, avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise 24 h before the test if you are also doing other tests that require it.
- Medication: Take your regular medications as prescribed unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Please confirm specific preparation instructions with your doctor or the lab. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sample type: Blood
Report parameter guide
Red Blood Cell Count
Number of red blood cells per volume of blood
Low: may indicate anemia, blood loss, or nutritional deficiencies
High: may indicate dehydration, polycythemia, or heart disease
White Blood Cell Count
Number of white blood cells per volume of blood
Low: may indicate immunosuppression, bone marrow disorders, or severe infection
High: may indicate infection, inflammation, leukemia, or stress
Hemoglobin
Amount of oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
Low: may indicate anemia, blood loss, or nutritional deficiencies
High: may indicate dehydration, lung disease, or polycythemia
Hematocrit
Percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells
Low: may indicate anemia, blood loss, or nutritional deficiencies
High: may indicate dehydration, lung disease, or polycythemia
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Average size of red blood cells
Low: may indicate microcytic anemia (iron deficiency, thalassemia)
High: may indicate macrocytic anemia (vitamin B12/folate deficiency, liver disease)
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)
Average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell
Low: may indicate microcytic anemia
High: may indicate macrocytic anemia
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
Average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red cells
Low: may indicate hypochromic anemia
High: may indicate spherocytosis or hyperchromic states
Platelet Count
Number of platelets per volume of blood
Low: may indicate bleeding disorders, bone marrow suppression, or viral infections
High: may indicate inflammation, infection, or bone marrow disorders
Neutrophils
Type of white blood cells that fight bacterial infections
Low: may indicate bacterial infection, stress, or bone marrow suppression
High: may indicate bacterial infection, inflammation, or stress response
Lymphocytes
White blood cells involved in viral defense and immune regulation
Low: may indicate immunosuppression or viral infection
High: may indicate viral infection, chronic inflammation, or lymphoid malignancy
Monocytes
White blood cells that engulf pathogens and debris
Low: may indicate bone marrow suppression or chronic infection
High: may indicate chronic infection, inflammation, or autoimmune disease
Eosinophils
White blood cells involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections
Low: may indicate lack of allergic response or certain infections
High: may indicate allergies, asthma, parasitic infections, or certain cancers
Basophils
White blood cells involved in allergic reactions and inflammation
Low: may indicate lack of allergic response
High: may indicate allergic reactions, chronic inflammation, or certain cancers
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
Variation in size of red blood cells
Low: may indicate uniform red cell size, often normal
High: may indicate mixed red cell populations, as seen in various anemias