Hemogram Test (CBC & ESR): Meaning, Normal Range, Price, and Report Explained

The Hemogram test, also known as Complete Blood Count or CBC, is a routine blood test that assesses the major parts of blood composition, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets. It also analyses hemoglobin and various types of white blood cells.

A Hemogram test includes Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and evaluates your overall health status, detecting a range of medical conditions.

A Hemogram test is among the most common tests and is widely recommended because:

• It offers a complete picture of your health.

• It detects anemia that is due to low hemoglobin, tiredness, and weakness.

• Checks white blood cells to detect the signs of inflammation or infection.

• Detects bleeding and clotting issues by analysing blood platelets.

Hemogram, CBC, and ESR Connection - A hemogram is a common blood examination test that includes various components of blood to assess blood health. CBC is the most vital part of the hemogram test that measures white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and other indices, which can also indicate blood cancers. ESR is usually included as an additional test with the Hemogram.

The hemogram test is a thorough blood test that assesses various components found in the blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and various other indices of RBC and WBC. This blood test offers significant insights into blood health and helps detect infections, anemia, and clotting disorders, among other blood-related health concerns.

A complete hemogram test is usually part of the CBC and ESR panel that is performed to measure several important components of blood.

Typically, the parameters involved in a complete hemogram test are:

• RBC count

• Hemoglobin

• Hematocrit

• Size of RBCs (MCV)

• Hemoglobin amount per RBC (MCH)

• Hemoglobin concentration in RBCs (MCHC)

• Variation in RBC size (RDW)

• Total count of white blood cells

• Types of WBCs (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils)

• Total count of platelets

• Mean platelet volume (MPV)

• Variation in platelet size (PDW)

• Platelet mass percentage (PCT)

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

• A more comprehensive blood test that includes CBC as well as additional parameters

• Usually also includes ESR, peripheral blood smear, and platelet indices.

• A hemogram is like a complete package of your blood health.

• Included in the Hemogram test, but offers limited information.

• It only involves RBCs, WBCs, blood platelets, and other indices (MCV, MCH, RDW, MPV).

• CBC-only is like the core blood cell count information.

Here’s the reference table to understand the Hemogram Test more simply:

The main difference is that the CBC offers complete insight into your blood cells, while the ESR test is an inflammation marker.

The complete blood count (CBC) test measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. CBC is a common type of blood test that is performed to evaluate overall health.

The CBC test measures red blood cells (RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC indices). It tells about anemia, blood loss, RBC size variability, and dehydration.

The CBC measures white blood cells (total WBC count and differential count of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils). It tells about inflammation, immune system-related disorders, allergies, and viral and bacterial infections.

The CBC test also analyzes blood platelets that are responsible for blood clotting. It measures platelet count and indices (MPV, PDW). It tells about clotting problems, bleeding tendencies, and bone marrow activity.

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is performed to assess how fast your red blood cells settle at the bottom of the test tube, which helps detect inflammation levels in the body.

If the red blood cells fall faster in the test tube, it indicates inflammation. A high ESR value indicates infection, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, certain chronic illnesses, and tissue damage.

A low ESR value is typically not a concern, but may be associated with certain blood conditions and a high red blood cell count.

Here are the prime reasons why healthcare professionals recommend a complete hemogram test:

It offers a complete picture of blood health.

A low or high white blood cell count helps detect various infections (bacterial, viral).

Low RBC count and hemoglobin, followed by fatigue and weakness, indicate anemia.

It helps detect inflammation levels and inflammatory conditions.

Help detect autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and infections.

Usually, no particular preparations are required for a Hemogram test. Here are the most common queries people have generally about preparations:

Typically, fasting is not required; however, if your healthcare provider has ordered a hemogram test along with other tests such as a lipid profile, fasting may be required.

Yes, you can. Drinking water before the fasting blood test makes it convenient to locate veins and allows for smooth blood collection.

Tip Box:

• Avoid having tea, coffee, or packed juices before the fasting blood test.

• Avoid consuming alcohol before the blood test, as it can alter blood parameters.

• Avoid strenuous activity before the blood test, as it may impact blood cell counts.

A complete Hemogram test usually involves the CBC test, ESR test, and sometimes a peripheral smear.

Your  Hemogram test report offers thorough information about your blood health, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It also includes an inflammation marker.

• Indicates blood oxygen levels and anemia.

• Checks the health of red blood cells.

• Low hemoglobin indicates anemia, and high indicates dehydration and other conditions.

• RBC count and hematocrit confirm polycythemia and anemia.

• MCV, MCH, and MCHC demonstrate the color and size of red blood cells.

• Detects immune function and infections.

• A high total WBC count indicates infection, and a low count indicates viral infections or bone marrow disorders.

• Differential count (lymphocytes, neutrophils, and more) helps determine the parasitic, allergic, viral, or bacterial infections.

• Blood platelets are associated with clotting ability and stop bleeding.

• Low platelet count indicates the risk of bleeding, and high indicates inflammation or bone marrow modifications.

• MPV or PDW tells about the platelet size and activity.

• It checks inflammation levels in the body.

• High ESR indicates infection, active inflammation, chronic illness, or autoimmune disease, and low ESR is usually not concerning.  

The hemogram test report offers information about various medical values that can be misunderstood easily. A doctor or medical professional can interpret these numbers accurately, considering your medical history, current symptoms, medications, and complete health.

Self-interpretation can cause incorrect assumptions, missed warning signs, and unnecessary anxiety. A healthcare professional can help you better understand the meaning of your test results and help decide if further tests are required and the right treatment.

The estimated cost range of the Hemogram test in India is between INR 300 to INR 800. The exact price varies depending on the city, laboratory, home collection, and package.

For example:

Thyrocare: CBC/Hemogram test price starts from INR 320

Metropolis Healthcare: CBC/Haemogram test price ranges between INR 200 – INR 400, depending on the city and other factors.

Here’s the table showing the Hemogram test price in major Indian cities:

MyDiagnostics offers affordable and reliable blood test packages, so book your test now.

Hemogram test is a common blood test, and here’s what to expect after the test happens:

• Mild bruising or pain and slight soreness at the side where the needle is inserted to collect the sample.

• You can eat, drink, and resume your daily activities right after the test.

• Usually, the test results are available within 6 to 24 hours.

• The test result values necessitate clinical correlation, so make sure to consult your healthcare provider for accurate interpretation.

• If you experience any unusual symptoms, long-term dizziness, severe pain, or persistent bleeding at the site.

The complete hemogram test is a routine blood test that offers comprehensive information about blood health by assessing RBCs, WBCs, platelets, and associated parameters. It helps healthcare professionals identify health conditions, including anemia, various infections, inflammation levels, bleeding disorders, clotting issues, and allergies.

This one test covers multiple aspects of blood function, making it the most reliable tool for general health assessment. Hemogram test is a simple, affordable, and essential test for early detection of many diseases and is available across all major laboratories and diagnostic centers in India.

***Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).