Medically reviewed by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Haseeb, M.B.B.S., F.C.P.S. (Haematology), Consultant Haematologist, Al-Nasar Lab & Diagnostic Centre. Updated August 2026.
Quick answer: A CBC (Complete Blood Count) is a single blood test that measures your red cells, white cells, haemoglobin and platelets. It is the most commonly ordered test in Pakistan and is used to check for anaemia, infection, dengue and general health. No fasting is needed and results are usually available the same day.
Book a CBC test: call 0300 0341944, or arrange home sample collection anywhere in Lahore on 0309 1166944. See CBC test details and current pricing here.
What is a CBC test?
CBC stands for Complete Blood Count. It is a blood test that counts and measures the three main types of cell circulating in your blood: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help your blood clot.
Because these three systems react to almost anything going wrong in the body, a CBC is often the first test a doctor orders when a patient feels unwell without an obvious cause.
What does a CBC test check?
| Component | What it measures | What an abnormal result may suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (Hb) | Oxygen carrying protein in red cells | Low: anaemia, blood loss, iron deficiency |
| Red Blood Cells (RBC) | Number of red cells | Low: anaemia. High: dehydration |
| White Blood Cells (WBC) | Total infection fighting cells | High: infection or inflammation. Low: viral illness, some medicines |
| Platelets | Cells that help blood clot | Low: dengue, viral illness, bleeding risk |
| Haematocrit (HCT) | Proportion of blood made of red cells | Rising value can signal dehydration or plasma leak in dengue |
| MCV, MCH, MCHC | Size and haemoglobin content of red cells | Helps identify the type of anaemia |
What are normal CBC values?
As a general guide for healthy adults:
- Haemoglobin: roughly 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL in men, and 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL in women
- White blood cells: roughly 4,000 to 11,000 per microlitre
- Platelets: roughly 150,000 to 450,000 per microlitre
- Haematocrit: roughly 40 to 52 percent in men, and 36 to 48 percent in women
Always read the reference range printed on your own report. Ranges vary between laboratories and between analysers, and they differ for children and during pregnancy.
Why would a doctor order a CBC?
- Persistent tiredness, weakness, pale skin or breathlessness
- Fever, to help separate bacterial from viral infection
- Dengue season, to track the platelet count and haematocrit
- Before surgery or a procedure
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Routine health checks and annual screening
- Monitoring while on certain long term medicines
Do you need to fast for a CBC test?
No. Fasting is not required for a CBC. You can eat and drink normally beforehand. Fasting is only needed if your doctor has combined the CBC with other tests such as blood sugar or a lipid profile, so check your prescription for the full list.
How is the test done and how long do results take?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample takes under two minutes to collect. At Al-Nasar Lab, CBC results are generally available the same day and delivered as a digital report, so you can share them with your doctor without a second visit.
What does a low platelet count mean?
A platelet count below 150,000 is lower than the usual range. In Pakistan the most common seasonal cause is dengue, where platelets often fall between days three and seven of illness. Other causes include viral infections, certain medicines and some blood disorders. A single low reading is less important than the trend, which is why doctors usually ask for repeat testing every 24 to 48 hours during a fever. You can read more in our guide to dengue testing in Lahore.
CBC testing at Al-Nasar Lab
Al-Nasar Lab & Diagnostic Centre has run laboratory testing in Lahore since 1996 and holds PHC accreditation. CBC is available at our main Johar Town campus and at every collection centre across the city, with home sample collection and same day digital reports.
Home collection is especially useful when repeat CBCs are needed during a fever, when travelling to a centre is difficult. Find your nearest collection centre, browse our full list of laboratory tests, or contact us to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CBC test cost in Pakistan?
CBC is one of the lowest cost laboratory tests available and pricing varies between laboratories. For current Al-Nasar Lab pricing, see our CBC test page or call 0300 0341944.
Can a CBC test detect dengue?
A CBC does not confirm dengue on its own. It is used alongside a dengue NS1 or antibody test to track how the illness is affecting your platelets and haematocrit, which is what actually guides treatment decisions.
Can a CBC detect cancer?
A CBC cannot diagnose cancer, but abnormal results can prompt further investigation. Blood cancers in particular often produce unusual white cell or platelet counts that lead a doctor to order more specific tests.
How often should a healthy adult have a CBC?
For most healthy adults, once a year as part of a general health check is reasonable. Your doctor may advise more frequent testing if you have a known condition or take medicines that affect blood counts.
Is a CBC the same as a CP test?
Yes. In Pakistan the test is often written as CP, meaning Complete Picture, or CBC, meaning Complete Blood Count. Both refer to the same blood test.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please discuss your results with a qualified doctor.
